The Reduction of Pressure Surge in a Simple Pipe Flow System

Abstract

Two methods are presented for reducing the magnitude of the propagated pressure waves resulting from the reduction of flow in a reservoir-valve-pipe system. The theoretical performances of the two methods are investigated and compared with a third method developed by Streeter (1)†, and with that resulting from simple linear closure of the valve controlling the flow. The two methods indicate a maximum reduction of around 80 per cent in the magnitude of the pressure wave, and a significant reduction for valve closure in one pipe period.