What is a common solution used to control water hammer in distribution systems?

What is a common solution used to control water hammer in distribution systems?

• A. Surge tank
• B. Cavitation
• C. Corp stop
• D. Fusible plug

Answer: (A)

A surge tank is a beneficial solution for controlling water hammer in distribution systems. Water hammer occurs when there's a sudden change in water flow, such as when a valve closes quickly, creating a pressure wave that can lead to system damage. Surge tanks serve as buffers in these situations; they absorb the shock created by the sudden changes in pressure. When the water flow abruptly changes, the surge tank can expand or contract to accommodate the fluctuations in pressure, thereby minimizing the effects of the water hammer. This helps protect pipelines, valves, and other components of the water distribution system from potential damage due to pressure spikes, ensuring a more stable and reliable operation of the entire system. The other options relate to different functions: cavitation refers to the formation of vapor bubbles in a liquid, which is unrelated to the control of pressure spikes. A corp stop is used to stop or control flow but does not specifically address water hammer. A fusible plug is designed for temperature control and safety in pressure vessels, not for managing water hammer.

A surge tank is a beneficial solution for controlling water hammer in distribution systems. Water hammer occurs when there's a sudden change in water flow, such as when a valve closes quickly, creating a pressure wave that can lead to system damage. Surge tanks serve as buffers in these situations; they absorb the shock created by the sudden changes in pressure.

When the water flow abruptly changes, the surge tank can expand or contract to accommodate the fluctuations in pressure, thereby minimizing the effects of the water hammer. This helps protect pipelines, valves, and other components of the water distribution system from potential damage due to pressure spikes, ensuring a more stable and reliable operation of the entire system.

The other options relate to different functions: cavitation refers to the formation of vapor bubbles in a liquid, which is unrelated to the control of pressure spikes. A corp stop is used to stop or control flow but does not specifically address water hammer. A fusible plug is designed for temperature control and safety in pressure vessels, not for managing water hammer.