Transient spikes (like water hammer) in pipes may only occur for a split second, but the effects remain long after the initial event takes place. They are more common during the stopping phase of a pump. When a non-return valve (NRV) closes, this can cause a sudden increase in pressure in the pipework that can resonate throughout the whole system. These can sometimes last for several minutes.

If we hit a bell hard with a hammer the sound rings out for quite some time, and the harder we hit it the louder the sound, or pressure. The closing of an NRV can have the same effect on pressure in a system, and if we can close it more slowly, we can reduce these pressure peaks in the network.
Transients may only affect your power supply for a split second, but the consequences can be far more outreaching, particularly within the wastewater sector.

It is vital that a water site (especially wastewater) can stop and start pumps on a regular basis to empty wet wells, but this operation is one of the main contributory factors for a transient pressure surge.

We have seen first-hand how detrimental transients can be to the network, causing pipe fractures or even bursts through rapid fluctuations in pressure or how the NRV operates and is a particular risk when dealing with an old infrastructure.

How beneficial would it be to be able to manage you pumps without the worry of causing a transient power surge?

Sentridge Control has been working closely with water companies for many years, helping them improve efficiency through the application of variable speed drive (VSD) technology.

A VSD gives operators greater control of the pump, and we have also discovered that using drive technology to implement a smoother stop/start has a huge impact on minimising transients.

Below you will see readings from a site before and after the install of a VSD – you can see for yourself how the after graph shows, by using a VSD we are able to reduce the pressure on the network and damage to pipes.

Before VSD Installed

After VSD Installed

Do you need help or advice on resolving your transient issues?
Contact Sentridge today.