surge control: to protect the pipeline system by reducing the magnitude of surges to the allowable strength limits of pipe, valves, and pumping

Two methods for managing surge:

direct control of the surge

extra protection of the pipeline or equipment

The Largest surges are generated during the following operations:

start-up and shut down operations

valve operation and now control

injection and delivery condition changes

Levels of control strategies:

training the pipeine system operation and maintenance staff in operating and maintaining their pipeline system as per ASME standards

installing basic control devices such as valves

reinforcing pipelines and implementing a special surge relief device in areas that are expected to suffer from surges

List of undesirable operational problems:

Valve failure

Power failure

Accidents

Equipment failure

Human error

An automated surge control system needs to be implemented to operate the system safely and economically

Design considerations for controlling surges and reducing potential risks:

installing thicker pipes at locations where severe surges are expected

installing block and check valves along the pipeline and at each pump station

installing automated control system such as a PID controller at each pump station.

avoid high flow rate --> potential surge is proportional to the flow velocity

longer station spacing

multiple pumping units to minimize the chance for a complete station failure

installing variable speed pumps that can reduce surge by ramping pump speed.
instaling special control devices such as surge relief tanks
avoiding sharp bends and sudden changes in slope

	Created by Yasmina Moussa over 8 years ago

Normal-level (N-level) Transmission and Storage Note on surge control , created by Yasmina Moussa on 28/10/2015.