One of the key assumptions in modern steam hammer load analysis is based on an incomplete understanding of steam wave behavior. Compression waves generated after a valve closure steepen much more quickly than previously thought. The resulting forces generated on pipe runs separated by elbows can be significantly higher than those predicted using current methods.
To be more specific, current methods may give unconservative pipe force estimates – potentially resulting in unsafe designs. Using a more complete understanding of gas wave speed, quantitative examples are given which show the larger forces which occur as a result of wave steepening. Suggestions on how to improve load estimation are discussed.
