Analysis and Design of a Simple Surge Tank (RESEARCH NOTE)

In a hydroelectric power plant or in a pumping station in order to avoid sudden large increase of pressure due to instantaneous valve closure sometimes a surge tank is installed. The height of surge tank is designed by the highest possible water level during the operation. The theoretical treatment of oscillation in a surge tank is difficult because of the non-linearity of friction term in the governing differential equation of the system. The present study attempts to find a general solution for the surge oscillation in a simple surge tank in terms of non-dimensional parameters. Equations for the highest and the lowest water level in the tank, which are very important in the design of a surge tank have been found.