The Water Hammer Effect refers to the sudden stoppage or change in direction of water flow within a pipeline, causing the kinetic energy of the water to be converted into a pressure wave, resulting in a sudden high-pressure impact. This phenomenon typically occurs when water flow rapidly changes direction or stops abruptly, such as when a valve is closed quickly or a pump stops working. The Water Hammer Effect can cause varying degrees of damage to pipeline systems, equipment, and water treatment membrane systems.
The primary cause of damage is that RO membrane systems are typically designed to operate within a specific pressure range (usually 10-15 bar). If a sudden pressure surge due to the Water Hammer Effect occurs, it could exceed the membrane system's pressure tolerance, causing membrane rupture or damage, which in turn affects the system's filtration performance. Additionally, the membranes in RO systems are often surrounded by seals or sealing materials (such as O-rings), which could deform or detach due to the pressure wave generated by the Water Hammer Effect, leading to system leakage and reduced water treatment efficiency.
Moreover, the Water Hammer Effect not only threatens the RO membranes themselves but could also cause pressure fluctuations throughout the entire pipeline system, leading to pipe rupture, joint loosening, or valve damage. These damages could affect the operation of the entire membrane system, even causing a system shutdown, resulting in maintenance costs. Pumps that maintain system pressure, when suddenly shut off or when valves are switched, may experience high-pressure impacts from the Water Hammer Effect, which could cause bearing wear or cracks and deformation in the pump housing.
