Analysis of experiments on condensation induced water hammers at KGU test facility by WAHA code

Abstract

Experiments at the KGU test facility, devoted to steam induced water hammers were analysed with the WAHA code. Test section of the KGU test facility is slightly inclined horizontal pipe of 3 m length and of 64 mm inner diameter. Subcooled water was supplied to the pipe inlet, pipe outlet was connected to separator vessel. Upper part of separator vessel was connected to steam source. Experiments were performed for different system pressure, different water subcooling and different mass flow rate of water supply. The WAHA code has been developed for simulation of condensation induced water hammers in pipelines. It is based on two-fluid approach, WAHA numerical scheme is based on Godunov numerical methods. Numerical simulations of the KGU tests revealed disagreement between numerical and experimental occurrences of water slug formations and water hammers events. Methodological calculations with variation of heat transfer to subcooled water showed, that this value significantly influences on water slug and water hammer formation.