Heat exchanger water hammer problem
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How is water hammer in heat exchangers caused, and how can this problem be solved?
The condensate is not removed in a timely manner, or insufficient water inflow causes the circulating water to vaporize.
Water hammer caused by the vaporization of circulating water due to insufficient water inflow can be mitigated by increasing the flow rate of the circulating water and reducing the flow rate of the heat medium.
In the case of a heat exchanger heated by steam, it is necessary to thoroughly warm the tubes before putting it into use. The condensate generated must be able to flow smoothly into the downstream system, in order to prevent pressure buildup in that system. In the event of water hammer, reduce the amount of steam used for heating, stop the discharge of condensate outside the system, and allow the condensate to be discharged on-site until the water hammer issue is resolved, after which the equipment can be put back into use. For circulating water heat exchangers, it is necessary to fully exhaust air before putting them into use; in the event of water hammer, reduce the flow rate of returning water and exhaust air through the top.
If there is a water hammer in the reboiler, should one increase the flow rate of condensate? What to do if there is water hammer in the condensate main pipe?
There won’t be water hammer inside the heat exchanger, right? Water hammer should occur in the inlet or outlet pipes of the heat exchanger; this is done to separate the condensed water with large temperature differences, as well as to regulate the drainage from the steam traps and prevent them from carrying vapor.
Do not connect the condensate water to the pipeline network; wait until the water hammer is resolved and the condensate water is operating normally before sending it to the downstream system.