PVP-2012
July 15-19, 2012, Toronto, Ontario, CANADA
PVP2012-78613
ADVANTAGES OF BLADDER SURGE TANKS IN PIPELINES
ABSTRACT
The paper advocates the use of bladder surge tanks to
control pressure surges in pipelines created by transient
operations. Transient pressures are created as a result of
pumps starting and stopping as well as the opening and
closing of valves. This paper describes why the utilization of
bladder surge tanks is the best solution to transient operations.
A bladder surge tank allows piping systems to meet pressure
piping codes such as ASME B31.3 and B31.4. Controlling
pressure transients reduces pressure stresses, thereby
extending the pipelines operating life. This paper compares
the use of a bladder surge tank to other methods to attenuate
pressure transient in pipelines.
Generally, water and hydrocarbon pipelines operate safely
throughout the world, but failure can occur as a result of
pressure transients created by certain operating conditions. In
addition, pipe materials are weakened as a result of years of
operation and exposure to corrosion, pressure cycling fatigue
and over-pressurization.
The usable life of piping materials can be significantly
reduced by cyclic loading and surge pressure overstressing the
material. Therefore, controlling pressure surges will increase
pipeline life and reliability. This can be achieved by installing
surge control equipment at the location of the transient event.
NOMENCLATURE
ASME - American Society of Mechanical Engineers
BST - Bladder Surge Tank
HST - Hydropneumatic Surge Tank (non-separator)
HTA - Hydraulic Transient Analysis (computer
simulations)
MOP- Maximum Operating Pressure
PRV- Pressure Relief Valve or Safety Relief Valve
Precharge- The initial gas charge (nitrogen or air) within
the bladder
Transient- Unsteady flow conditions
INTRODUCTION
When designing a pipeline, early consideration of
pressure surge must be investigated to assure reliable
operation without failure. This is especially critical for
pipelines transporting hazardous materials, such as
hydrocarbons and waste materials. Advances in computer
programs which can simulate transient events enable designers
to anticipate potential problems in the operations of the
pipelines [1]. Utilizing surge control equipment reduces
pressure transient and thereby pipe material stresses are
reduced to meet proven piping standards such as ASME
B31.3, 2010 Edition [2] and B31.4, 2009 Edition [3]. In
addition, by reducing pressure transients, pipeline life can be
extended.
Water and hydrocarbon pipelines generally operate safely,
but through years of operation, they can fail as a result of loss
of material strength from corrosion, cyclic fatigue and
pressure transients that can over-pressurize the pipe beyond
the MOP.
REFERENCES
[1] Jung, B. S., Karney, B. W., Boulos, P. F., and Wood, D. J.,
2007, "The Need for Comprehensive Transient Analysis of
Distribution Systems," Journal AWWA, 99 (1), pp. 112-123.
[2] ASME, 2010, ASME B31.3, Process Piping, American
Society of Mechanical Engineers, New York, USA.
[3] ASME, 2009, ASME B31.4, Pipeline Transportation
Systems for Liquid Hydrocarbons and Other Liquids,
American Society of Mechanical Engineers, New York, USA.
[4] Law, M., Venton, A., and Venton, P., 2010, Fatigue
Design for Gas Storage Pipelines, The Australian Pipeliner,
April 2010, Australian Pipeline Industry Association,
Melbourne, Australia.
[5] Manson, S. S. and Halford, G. R., 2006, Fatigue and
Durability of Structural Materials, ASM International,
Materials Park, OH, Chap. 10.
[6] Manson, S. S. and Halford, G. R., 2006, Fatigue and
Durability of Structural Materials, ASM International,
Materials Park, OH, Chap. 11.
[7] Stone, G. D., 2005, Are You at Risk from Not
Considering the Potential for Surges in a Piping System?
from http://www.pipingdesign.com.
[8] Stone, G. D., 2005, Avoiding Pressure Surge Damage in
Pipeline Systems? from http://www.pipingdesign.com.
CONCLUSION
Hydraulic pipelines are essential in the transportation of
fluid across large distances. The consideration of transient
flow conditions is critical for the optimum design of pipelines
to prevent pipe leaks and potential failures and ensure safe
operation. When surge control devices are used properly,
FIGURE 1
RELATION BETWEEN PERCENT OF LIFE TO CRACK INITIATION AND FATIGUE LIFE FOR VARIOUS MATERIALS
FIGURE 2
CHANGE IN PRESSURE OVER TIME FOR TRANSIENT PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE UPON PUMP SHUT-DOWN
FIGURE 3
CHANGE IN PRESSURE OVER TIME FOR TRANSIENT PRESSURE BLADDER SURGE TANK UPON PUMP SHUT-DOWN
FIGURE 4A
TYPICAL INSTALLATION OF A SURGE TANK AT PUMP DISCHARGE
FIGURE 4B
TYPICAL INSTALLATION OF A SURGE TANK UPSTREAM OF A VALVE OR BOOSTER PUMP