Transient Analysis in Pipe Networks

Power failure of pumps, sudden valve actions, and the operation of automatic control systems are all capable of generating high pressure waves in domestic water supply systems. These transient conditions resulting in high pressures can cause pipe failures by damaging valves and fittings. In this study, basic equations for solving transient analysis problems are derived using method of characteristics. Two example problems are presented. One, a single pipe system which is solved by developing an excel spreadsheet. Second, a pipe network problem is solved using transient analysis program called TRANSNET.

A transient analysis program is developed in Java. This program can handle suddenly-closing valves, gradually-closing valves, pump power failures and sudden demand changes at junctions. A maximum of four pipes can be present at a junction. A pipe network problem is solved using this java program and the results were found to be similar to that obtained from TRANSNET program. The code can be further extended, for example by developing java applets and graphical user interphase to make it more user friendly.

A two dimensional (2D) numerical model is developed using MATLAB to analyze gaseous cavitation in a single pipe system. The model is based on mathematical formulations proposed by Cannizzaro and Pezzinga (2005) and Pezzinga (2003). The model considers gaseous cavitation due to both thermic exhange between gas bubbles and surrounding liquid and during the process of gas release. The results from the model show that during transients, there is significant increase in fluid temperature along with high pressures. In literature pipe failures and noise problems in premise plumbing are atributed to gaseous cavitation.