DEAD ENDS CAN LEAD TO MAJOR PROBLEMS IN ANALYSIS AND SOLUTION OF HYDRAULIC TRANSIENTS IN COMPLEX SYSTEMS

摘要

Modern computer codes and computing technology has made the analysis of hydraulic transients in complex, multiple-looped systems a relatively easy task. However, the formulation of the computer model, identification of critical cases and mitigation of the ensuing transients is still a matter of experience and judgement because each system has a unique profile. Since column separation and rejoining is highly dependent on the system profile, the ensuing transients in systems with column separation and rejoining still present very challenging problems. Dead end branches in such systems can often lead to "worst case" conditions, even though there is no flow in the branch. Since the dead ends do not usually occur for normal operating conditions, they are often overlooked in analysis of complex systems. We present some of our experience in analysis of systems with dead ends to show that neglect of dead ends can lead to results that are dead wrong.