Effect of Pipeline Junctions on Water Hammer Surges

A study was carried out to determine the transmission and reflection characteristics of water hammer pressure surges at junction of pipes in a piping system. The effects of pipeline orientation, concentrated friction loss and motion of the piping system at the junctions were considered. The results were compared to the presently used relationships for surge reflection and transmission at junctions which do not consider these effects. It was shown that if the pipeline is completely restrained from motion the pipeline orientation and concentrated friction loss at the junction is free to undergo even slight movements, the reflection and transmission characteristic of pressure waves at such junctions may be significantly affected. In these cases a detailed transient flow analysis may be necessary to determine the effects.