What is a Surge Analysis?
Surge analysis is the study of pressure Change caused by a change in the piping system. The pressure change may be due to a valve opening or closing, or something more complex like a pump, or multiple pumps, turning on or shutting down, either in a planned or unplanned manner.
Why is surge analysis required?
Pipelines are the safest and convenient way of transporting fluids, either liquid or gas. Any pipeline has fittings such as valves, elbows, reducers, etc. In addition, there are curvatures and differences in elevation along the path of the pipeline. When the flow through the pipeline is suddenly stopped due to any emergency or operational reasons, the sudden change of momentum contributes to an increase or decrease in the pressure very quickly. The impact of such a sudden increase or decrease in pressure is quite significant, and this can have a severe effect on the operation and safety of the entire pipeline. Therefore, Surge analysis has become critical for the design and maintenance of the pipeline to avoid any catastrophic failure.
When to do surge analysis?
Surge analysis starts somewhere at a predefined steady state setting. Thereby, an event or string of events happens, which causes the flow to be transient. Thereby, Transient Surge analysis is carried on until the flow and pressure transient is no more and thereby some new steady state condition is resorted.
What is a piping surge?
A piping surge occurs when the linear flow rate of a fluid in a pipe changes abruptly, during starting or stopping of pumps, opening or closing of valves with fast acting actuation devices, or due to movement of entrapped air within the Piping system.
Hydraulic Surge analysis in a pipeline is a hydraulic model that considers the maximum permissible operating pressure of valves, pipes, fittings, the pressure control and shutdown settings of pumps, the relief system potentiality, performance, and location of automated and remote valves.
Surge analysis Calculation formula
Surge analysis in pipelines can be calculated using the Joukowsky formula ∆P = – ρ c ∆V. Where ∆P = magnitude of the pressure surge caused by the velocity change
ΔV = velocity change causing the surge
p = density of the fluid
c = wave speed.
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Surge Analysis and Modelling
IFluids engineers are experts in performing the surge analysis for the whole pipeline, including the pumps and valves. During the analysis, the characteristics of the pipeline are collected from the client. The inputs for performing the surge analysis are
- Characteristics of the pipeline
- Type of fluid
- Type of pumps, valves, and fittings
Based on these inputs, the surge analysis is performed by using various software packages. The simulation is performed by manipulating the parameters, like changing the flow rate, tripping off the control valves, operating conditions, closure of valves, etc., and studying its effect on the pipeline.
Surge Analysis Software:
- Pipeline Studio
- WANDA
- Hammer
- AFT Impulse
- PIPENET
- OLGA
After performing the simulation, it depends on the technical expertise and experience of the analyst to examine and suggest a desirable solution. We have the team to provide you with the necessary support and deliver the expected result.
Methodology:
Steady State Analysis
A steady-state simulation or analysis looks at how pressure, temperature, and flow behave across a pipeline at a fixed moment when everything is running smoothly and nothing is changing over time. In simple terms, it’s like taking a snapshot of the system to understand how it performs under normal, balanced conditions—when it’s operating steadily without any sudden changes or disruptions. This analysis can be used to give the initial conditions for a transient analysis
Transient State Analysis
A transient simulation or analysis helps us understand how a pipeline system reacts over time when something changes, like the amount of gas or liquid being added or taken out, or if equipment settings are adjusted. It focuses on understanding how events or operational changes affect fluid flow rates, pressures, and other characteristics across time. Start-up or shutdown, variations in production rates, wellbore pressure swings, and pipeline operations are examples of transient events. These occurrences frequently lead to notable modifications in pressures and flow regimes, which momentarily deviate from steady-state conditions.
Deliverables
The deliverables are mainly
- Basic engineering design
- Surge analysis report consisting of Steady State & Transient State Reports and necessary recommendations
- Technical assistance
- Control philosophy
