Australian Water Management Review Vol 1 2010 | Page 55

55 Bladder Surge Tanks If you have a water hammer problem in your system, Charlatte bladder tank will protect you from overpressure and negative pressure. Charlatte bladder surge tanks are a simple solution to surge problems. In time of severe drought, leaks and bursts in piping systems can undo our water conservation efforts. Approximately 10% of Sydney water supply is lost due to leaks (SMH). Pressure surges in pipelines can result in leaking seals, burst pipes as well as component damage. Another less known effect of surge is pathogen intrusion. During negative pressure contaminants on the outside of the pipe can get past the seals and enter the system. This presents a sanitary issue in the case of drinking water. Environmental agencies in Europe and US are alert to potential risks due to pathogen intrusion during transients. EPA Paper is available on Olaer website. Pressure Surge is often called Water Hammer. Water Hammer can be defined as a rapid change in pressure. Rapid changes in pressure are caused by rapid changes in flow rate. Worst case scenario for surge is pump trip due to power failure at maximum flow. Pressure surge can cause overpressure and negative pressure. Many commercial software packages are available to analyze the effects of surge (Hammer, AFT Impulse, Flowmaster, KY Pipe, etc.). Surge analysis should always be performed at design stages of the pipeline. Charlatte have been manufacturing bladder surge tanks for over 40 years with sizes ranging from 100 to 100,000 litres. Charlatte is the preferred supplier for large surge tanks around the world. Charlatte bladder tanks offer many practical benefits to end users. A Bladder tank is a self regulating system which means that there is no need for electricity, compressors, air receivers, complicated controls, sensors and valves. This equates to savings in electricity, maintenance and equipment costs. Fluid is contained inside the Butyl bladder which means no corrosion which in turn ensures long life of the tank. Olaer BC 0707.indd Bladders are manufactured from heavy duty butyl rubber which is suitable for drinking water. Installation and commissioning become very simple with a Charlatte bladder tank. After tank is connected to the pipeline and charged with nitrogen (or compressed gas) it is ready for use. Olaer can provide commissioning assistance and training. If you have any questions or enquiries about Charlatte product range contact [email protected] Website: www.olaer.com.au Phone: [phone]