A water hammer refers to the dynamic pressure change in a fluid. It lasts only a fraction of a second, during which the pressure peaks can reach several times the operating pressure. The resulting peak values can occur as either overpressure or underpressure (cavitation). The propagation speed of pressure waves can be up to 1400 m/s and depends on the material and wall thickness of the pipe.


Water hammers can occur in any piping system, whether when starting or stopping pumps, during power outages at pump stations, when using fire hydrants in firefighting lines, in filling or dosing systems, concrete plants, chemical plants, large laundries, etc. Water hammers can cause damage to installed instruments and valves, pipe ruptures, noise and vibrations, as well as loosening or leaking of connection points.


However, water hammers can be prevented. In any system where water hammers are expected or already present, they can be avoided by installing a properly dimensioned and low-maintenance ORELL Tec damper.

A water hammer refers to the dynamic pressure change in a fluid. It lasts only a fraction of a second, during which the pressure peaks can reach several times the operating pressure. The resulting peak values can occur as either overpressure or underpressure (cavitation). The propagation speed of pressure waves can be up to 1400 m/s and depends on the material and wall thickness of the pipe.


Water hammers can occur in any piping system, whether when starting or stopping pumps, during power outages at pump stations, when using fire hydrants in firefighting lines, in filling or dosing systems, concrete plants, chemical plants, large laundries, etc. Water hammers can cause damage to installed instruments and valves, pipe ruptures, noise and vibrations, as well as loosening or leaking of connection points.


However, water hammers can be prevented. In any system where water hammers are expected or already present, they can be avoided by installing a properly dimensioned and low-maintenance ORELL Tec damper.