THE PROBLEM: WATER HAMMER. THE SOLUTION: DFT VALVES
Understanding Water Hammer: Dangers, Causes, and Solutions with DFT Valves
Water hammer is a phenomenon that can lead to severe damage in plumbing and industrial systems, making it essential to understand its dangers, causes, and how to prevent it. One effective solution for mitigating water hammer is the use of DFT (Dual-Function Technology) valves. In this blog, we’ll explore these aspects in detail.
What is Water Hammer?
Water hammer occurs when a fluid in motion is suddenly forced to stop or change direction. This creates pressure surges, resulting in shockwaves that travel through pipes, often producing a loud banging sound. While it may seem like a simple annoyance, water hammer can have significant consequences.
What Causes Water Hammer?
Several factors contribute to the occurrence of water hammer:
- Sudden Valve Closure: Rapidly closing a valve can lead to an abrupt stop in water flow, generating shockwaves.
- Long Pipe Run: Longer pipe lengths increase the potential for pressure surges.
- High Water Velocity: Faster water movement carries more energy, intensifying the effects of sudden flow changes.
- Inadequate Air Chambers: A lack of properly functioning air chambers in the system can fail to absorb shockwaves, leading to water hammer.
Impact of Water Hammer on Fluid Systems
- Pressure Spikes: Sudden changes in flow can create pressure surges, potentially exceeding ten times the system’s working pressure, leading to significant damage.
- Pump and Flow System Damage: Repeated water hammer can adversely affect pumps, valves, and joints, risking catastrophic failures over time.
- Leaks: Damage to fittings and connections can result in slow-growing leaks that may go unnoticed, causing further equipment damage.
- Ruptured Pipes: Pressure spikes can cause pipe ruptures, leading to expensive repairs and potential system failures.
- External Property Damage: Water leaks can damage electrical equipment and lead to corrosion of infrastructure.
- Safety Risks: Pipeline ruptures pose health hazards to employees, increasing the risk of slips, falls, and electrocution.
- Downtime and Maintenance Costs: Repairs and maintenance resulting from water hammer damage can lead to costly downtime and operational disruptions.
The Role of DFT Valves Inc in Preventing Water Hammer
DFT valves are designed specifically to mitigate the effects of water hammer and ensure smooth operation in fluid systems. Here’s how they help:
- Dual-Function Design
- DFT valves serve dual purposes: they function as both check valves and shut-off valves. This design helps to manage water flow effectively, preventing backflow and minimizing the likelihood of sudden pressure changes that lead to water hammer.
- Pressure Regulation
- By allowing for controlled flow rates, DFT valves help prevent sudden stops in fluid movement. This gradual flow regulation is crucial in mitigating the effects of water hammer.
- Shock Absorption
- DFT valves are engineered to absorb pressure surges. This capability dissipates the energy that causes water hammer, protecting both the piping system and any connected equipment from damage.
- Durability and Reliability
- Constructed from robust materials, DFT valves are built to withstand the stresses associated with water hammer. Their durability leads to reduced maintenance costs and fewer system failures.
- Installation Versatility
- DFT valves can be installed in various configurations and applications, making them suitable for a wide range of systems, from residential plumbing to large-scale industrial operations.
Conclusion
Water hammer can have costly and devastating effects on pipelines and piping systems. DFT® Inc. offers a broad range of valve solutions that lessen or eliminate the probability of water hammer and the issues it causes, extending the service life of equipment and reducing long-term repair and maintenance costs. Be sure to specify DFT® for all your check valve needs. Request a quote or contact us for more information.
