Numerical simulation and optimization on valve-induced water hammer characteristics for parallel pump feedwater system

In this study, the method of characteristic line (MOC) was adopted to evaluate the valve-induced water hammer phenomena in a parallel pumps feedwater system (PPFS) during the alternate startup process of parallel pumps. Based on closed physical and mathematical equations supplied with reasonable boundary conditions, a code was developed to compute the transient phenomena including the pressure wave vibration, local flow velocity and slamming of the check valve disc, etc. Some interesting results were obtained and it was shown that severe slamming between the valve disc and valve seat occurred during the alternate startup of parallel pumps. The induced maximum pressure vibration amplitude is up to 5.0 MPa, which occurs under the high–high speed startup condition. The scheme of appending a damping torque with the check valve disc was also numerically performed to eliminate the water hammer for the optimum design purpose. The adoption of damping torque slows down the closing speed of the check valve and has been approved to be an effective approach. This work is expected to be instructive for the optimum design of the PPFS in NPPs so as to mitigate the potential damage caused by valve-induced water hammer.