Dynamic Characteristics of Water Hammer Arresters for Building Service Applications

Dynamic characteristics of water hammer arresters installed in a building water supply system have been investigated numerically by utilizing a commercial code that employs the method of characteristics. Some preliminary results with those arrester models produced in this study agree well with the previously reported. Then, the arrester models have been incorporated into a water supply pipe system of a 59 $m^2$apartment unit constructed by a leading construction company, and their dynamic characteristics have been investigated, especially on the reduction in the water hammer pressure. It is found that the setting of the arresters in the pipe system, which is recommended by the company, may not be proper for reducing the pressure down below 1,082.0 kPa (10.0 kg$g_f$/$cm^2$) when quick-closure valves in the pipe system are closed within 30 ms at the static pressure of 542.6 kPa (4.5 kg$g_f$/$cm^2$). More arresters in the system may be required to meet pressure criteria stated on the related standards and codes.