For the smooth operation of the Power Plant, some necessary engineering arrangements are required.
Hence Surge Tank is one of them.
The requirement of Surge Tank is due to some problems which occurred in Water Flow.
So, here I will like to share information on why a surge tank is necessary for a hydroelectric power plant with you.
So, Why use a Surge Tank in Hydro Electric Power Plant
Water Hammer
Due to Motion, Water possesses some Momentum.
This Momentum is destroyed, if the Flowing water is suddenly brought to rest, by closing the Valve.
A very High Pressure is developed on Valve.
This High Pressure is followed by a series of Pressure Vibrations, resulting in noise in the pipe.
This noise is known as “Knocking”.
The sudden rise in Pressure has the effect of Hammering Action on the walls of the pipe, known as a Water Hammer.
This Water Hammer can burst the pipe.
In Hydro-Electric Power Plant, the requirement of Water goes on changing, hence it is essential to increase or decrease the Discharge flowing through the pipeline.
Whenever the requirement for Water suddenly decreased, the Valve must suddenly close.
Hence this results in a very High Pressure developed in an entire pipeline between the Reservoir and the Turbine.
This happened due to Water Hammer.
To overcome this problem, a Storage Reservoir called “Pen Stock” is fitted at some opening made on the pipeline in order to store Water when the Valve is suddenly closed, or to discharge Water when increased discharged is required.
Such a Storage Reservoir is known as a “Surge Tank”.
So, the Functions of a Surge Tank is
01) To control the Pressure Variations, due to rapid changes in the pipeline flow, thus eliminating Water Hammer possibilities.
02) To regulate the flow of Water to the Turbine by providing necessary retarding Head of Water.
The Surge Tanks are placed near the Turbine.
The Height is generally kept above the Maximum Water Level in the supply Level Reservoir.
There are three important types of Surge Tanks used in Hydro Electric Power Plant
Besides this information, you are suggested to read something more from below engineering books
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