Transient events (also referred to as “surge” or “water hammer”) occur in all fluid pump systems, the magnitude of which is determined by changes in fluid velocity, fluid density, pressure wave speed, and elevation changes. They can happen during pump start-up or shut-down and rapid opening/closing of valves. Transient events can cause catastrophic system damage such as pump and valve deterioration, pipeline failure, and loss of system control—all of which cost time and money to repair.

So, how can you avoid system downtime if transient events are inevitable? Strap in, we’ll tell you.

Different Vessels for Different Applications

It is important to understand what is happening in your system—and where—before you can commit to the correct solution. For example, if the system is experiencing surge from a quick closing valve, you need a surge suppressor. If the problem stems from uneven flow caused by a positive displacement pump, a pulsation dampener is your answer.

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