How to Size Tank for Surge Suppression?

9/10/2021

We design fire protection systems for large industrial plants with a large area network running in the kilometers.

In such case there could be chances of surge due do sudden closure of a deluge valve, check valve, or fire pump. We do not have time/expertise to carry on surge analysis on software.

I have heard about using tanks for surge.

How would we go about sizing an anti-surge tank?

Is there any basic guidelines based on fire water flow rate/pump discharge pressure to get first cut sizing of a surge protection tank?

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6 Comments

Dan Wilder

9/10/2021 07:39:12 am

Reach out to these guys, we've used them on several projects. They have a sheet to fill out and they develop the size of the tank based on the info you provide (Static PSI, operating PSI, size of pipe, viscosity of fluid, size of system downstream of arrestor...)

https://youngeng.com/fire-protection-industry/

Alex

9/10/2021 08:07:46 am

HI Anonymous,

There isn’t a lot in the code regarding bladder tanks. NFPA 22 (2018) 1.5.1 states that “bladder tanks used as surge suppressors on the discharge side of the fire pumps installed in accordance with NFPA 20” are not required to meet NFPA 22. NFPA 20 doesn’t provide much guidance either.

NFPA 20 (2019) 10.5.2.1.6 discusses pressure-sensing device requirements but besides that, doesn’t mention bladder or surge tanks.

I would recommend reaching out to manufacture. I haven’t worked with them directly, but Bermad should be able to help you out. Link below.

https://blog.bermad.com/waterworks/tag/surge-anticipating-valves

Best of luck!
Alex

(NOTE: I just saw that Dan recommended a company. If he has worked with them in the past, I would start there!)

CJ Bonczyk

9/10/2021 09:38:45 am

I have used on several DOD projects the use of Young Engineering and Amtrol Surge Suppression Tanks. Normally the use will be a vertical style tank and have flanged connections. Some can sit on the floor and be sized and used for the entire manifold and some must be installed downstream of the control valve for each individual system. The bladders will need to be pulled in a vertical position so ensure proper height is allowed for access. Typically the manufacturer can size the tank for you based on the inlet pressure, operating pressure and system demand. Oddly in certain instances of DOD projects they have in the past ignored what the manufacturer recommended and the EOR sized the tank as they saw fit (I do not know why that was the case).

Mike

9/10/2021 09:44:11 am

We've had mechanical engineers design these but the tanks would have been so large, as may be the case for you, pressure relief valves were used instead.

Pete D

9/10/2021 11:06:09 am

I agree.
Using a combination of a soft-start controller on the fire pump and pressure relief trim at each rise, surge tanks should not be required.

Soft start comes in several varieties, resistive, partial winding, variable frequency, etc.

Also keep in mind that the pressure-limiting system component is the sprinkler itself at 175 psi. Pipe, fittings, valves, all tend to have a 300psi rating.

Colin Lusher

9/10/2021 11:09:14 am

I second Young Engineering. They basically developed the surge analysis and tank sizing used on all NAVFAC and USACOE projects. They'll get your info, and provide suggested tank sizes and locations. That said, their tanks are VERY expensive.

I've also performed surge analysis myself using the formulas provided by Amtrol, who's tanks are quite a bit cheaper than Young Engineering. The formulas can be found at this link below:

https://www.amtrol.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/MC10261-03_19-Surgetrol-Sizing.pdf

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How to Size Tank for Surge Suppression?

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