Surge analysis conference presents new research

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Jun 7, 2007

The tenth Surge Analysis conference focuses on successful applications and latest research to provide a forum for information exchange and technology transfer.

The safety and integrity of fluid distribution systems relies on anticipating and controlling transient flows.

System failure can seriously affect safety and cause contamination of the environment or the fluid being transported.

Although pump and pipe size are important the complex interactions between system components frequently present a bigger challenge to the hydraulic designer.

Surge analysis is still not currently subject to codes of practice so design constraints must be based on available knowledge and experience.

Good design typically involves computer modelling to simulate the interaction of equipment, pipelines and fluid during normal, fault and emergency events.

While a number of validated software programs are available the challenge for the hydraulic engineer is to identify the most appropriate tool for their particular application.

In addition to presenting results they must use their expertise to interpret the analysis and guide constructors and operators to an understanding of the optimum operating conditions.

Surge Analysis - System Design, Simulation, Monitoring and Control - is the 10th international conference on pressure surges organised by BHR group.

It builds on the previous events by focusing on successful applications and latest research to provide a forum for information exchange and technology transfer.

Since its inception in the 1970s the conference has devolved knowledge and understanding from academic researchers and specialist consultants to designers, contractors, suppliers and owners who need to know how theory is applied in the real world.

The organisers have issued a call for papers for the conference, which will be held in Edinburgh, UK on 14th-16th May 2008.

The conference will comprise a combination of papers covering key aspects of research and industrial practice.

The Technical Committee is particularly interested in papers that highlight practical experiences and research advances, especially where they bring together authors from different industries or sectors.

It is anticipated that presentations will cover a wide range of topics.

Industrial practice topics will include good design practice and standards; validation to justify or test the capabilities of surge control devices or simulation software; surge alleviation, protection and control strategies; field or laboratory test results which can be used to evaluate software or product performance data; practical design information or procedures of direct value to system designers and analysts; and nonconventional applications of surge analysis software.

Research topics will include modelling, simulation and verification techniques; improved simulation of surge relief or control strategies or verification of models; advanced applications such as leakage detection; complex interaction phenomena such as multiphase or cavitating flows, gas release, fluid structure interaction or flow-induced vibrations; fundamental issues in numerical methods or fluid behaviour such as unsteady friction; and the application of new techniques to unsteady flow issues.

The conference is designed for everyone who owns, constructs, designs, analyses, researches or manufactures equipment for pipe systems.

Delegates from sectors such as water, oil and gas, nuclear, hydroelectric, petrochemical, automotive, aerospace, and building services will find the conference especially useful.

Potable, foul or storm water, full or partially-full flow regimes, firewater systems, cooling systems, water injection, oil and chemical pipelines, and power or fuel systems can all can have inherent surge problems.

The aim is to highlight how solutions found in one area are relevant to others.