Steam Waterhammer --- Part One

Water hammer is never normal in a steam and condensate system, and it is totally unacceptable in today’s plant operations. Not only is water hammer is a system issue; it is also a safety issue. Understanding the nature and severity of water hammer in a steam and condensate system will allow plants to avoid the safety risk and destructive forces. A better understanding of steam system water hammer will help the plant implement the necessary changes in steam system design, startup, maintenance, operation, and installation to eliminate water hammer. Additionally, this will help provide maximum safety for plant personnel, reduce maintenance cost, and reduce system downtime.