Problem 13.3: A facility reports water hammer every weekday
From Chapter 13 Problem Set. Level 1: Conceptual Mastery.
Question
A facility reports water hammer every weekday morning at 7 AM but never on weekends. The boiler chemistry is within ASME limits. Is the problem more likely priming or foaming? Explain.
Answer
Show answer
Priming. The pattern (weekday mornings only) correlates with a sudden load swing: occupants arriving, thermostats activating, steam demand surging from low fire. This is mechanical surging, not chemical foaming. Chemistry is within limits, and the problem does not occur during steady-state weekend operation.