Premium
Hydraulic transients cause low‐pressure problems
Author(s) -
Walski Thomas M.,
Lutes Teresa L.
Publication year - 1994
Publication title -
journal ‐ american water works association
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.466
H-Index - 74
eISSN - 1551-8833
pISSN - 0003-150X
DOI - 10.1002/j.1551-8833.1994.tb06283.x
Subject(s) - environmental science , hydraulic machinery , hydraulic pressure , engineering , petroleum engineering , mechanical engineering
Mysterious short‐term pressure drops at the top of Cat Mountain prompted an investigation that revealed hydraulic transients as the culprit. Most engineers are familiar with hydraulic transients that cause problems with excessive pressure in water distribution systems. However, transients can also cause short‐lived low‐pressure problems. This article describes the analysis conducted by the Austin (Texas) Water and Wastewater Utility that identified transients as the source of low pressures in a portion of the city. Pressures recorded during controlled conditions provided the key in identifying pump and valve operation as the source of the problem.