Surge Tanks vs. Pump Control Valves
Surge Tanks vs. Pump Control Valves
(OP)
I am considering installation of either a surge tank or pump control valves to solve a surge problem associated with starting/stopping of 60Hp, 550 gpm pumps. This lift station is pumping treated wastewater effluent. The cost for both options is about the same.
Here's my question:
Can a surge tank provide the same level of surge reduction as a pump control valve? This is an important application, as the forcemain has broken several times in the past year due to normal operation of the pumps. The existing forcemain is fatigued, so we're looking to reduce the surge pressure as much as possible.
Any input/thoughts would be appreciated.
Here's my question:
Can a surge tank provide the same level of surge reduction as a pump control valve? This is an important application, as the forcemain has broken several times in the past year due to normal operation of the pumps. The existing forcemain is fatigued, so we're looking to reduce the surge pressure as much as possible.
Any input/thoughts would be appreciated.





RE: Surge Tanks vs. Pump Control Valves
Regards,
SNORGY.
RE: Surge Tanks vs. Pump Control Valves
Soft starts may be an option (about the same cost as a surge control tank) however, I'm concerned a soft start will only ramp up/down flow from 1 - 20 seconds. At a closure time of 20 seconds, I am calculating a surge of about 38 psi.
Any additonal thoughts/input would be appreciated.
RE: Surge Tanks vs. Pump Control Valves
Regards,
SNORGY.
RE: Surge Tanks vs. Pump Control Valves
RE: Surge Tanks vs. Pump Control Valves
You speak of a control valve. Would that be a downstream pressure control valve, or one of those "bypass surge relief valves"?
If you want to look elsewhere, you could try a "bypass surge relief valve", as opposed to a common surge valve, which would be located on a T-off from the main line and typically routed to a surge tank.
VFDs won't work when the pump goes down on power loss.
If you have two options that cost equally, pick
1) the simplest technological solution or,
2) the next simplest technology with the smallest footprint.
3) if the simplest tech solution has the biggest footprint, I'm not going to argue with whichever one you pick.
**********************
"The problem isn't finding the solution, its trying to get to the real question." BigInch
http://virtualpipeline.spaces.live.com/
RE: Surge Tanks vs. Pump Control Valves
Can anyone recommend some surge tank manufacturers?
So far, I have been able to only find one manufacturer of bladder-type surge vessels. And, cost for this one manufacturer are about $50/gallon.
Thanks a bunch.
RE: Surge Tanks vs. Pump Control Valves
What vessel size do you need? Have you made a simulation to find out what volume you need to relieve to keep pressures lower than allowables?
**********************
"The problem isn't finding the solution, its trying to get to the real question." BigInch
http://virtualpipeline.spaces.live.com/
RE: Surge Tanks vs. Pump Control Valves
RE: Surge Tanks vs. Pump Control Valves
**********************
"The problem isn't finding the solution, its trying to get to the real question." BigInch
http://virtualpipeline.spaces.live.com/
RE: Surge Tanks vs. Pump Control Valves
RE: Surge Tanks vs. Pump Control Valves
**********************
"The problem isn't finding the solution, its trying to get to the real question." BigInch
http://virtualpipeline.spaces.live.com/