virtaussäiliö

A virtaussäiliö, also known as a flow tank or surge tank, is a component used in fluid systems to manage fluctuations in flow and pressure. Its primary function is to act as a buffer, absorbing sudden increases or decreases in fluid velocity and volume. This helps to prevent damage to downstream equipment, such as pumps and turbines, and ensures a more stable and consistent flow of the fluid.

Virtaussäiliöt are commonly found in hydroelectric power plants, where they mitigate the effects of rapid changes in turbine demand. When a turbine's load is suddenly reduced, the water flow must be quickly decreased. A virtaussäiliö stores this excess water, preventing a surge in pressure that could damage the penstock or turbine. Conversely, when demand increases, the virtaussäiliö can supply additional water, smoothing out the transition.

In industrial processes, virtaussäiliöt are used to maintain a steady flow rate in pipelines, especially when dealing with intermittent pump operation or valve closures. They can also be used to separate gases from liquids or to provide a reserve of fluid for a process. The design of a virtaussäiliö varies depending on the specific application, but typically involves a chamber that can accommodate a changing volume of fluid. This chamber might be open to the atmosphere or sealed, depending on the pressure requirements of the system. The principle of operation relies on the conservation of mass and momentum within the fluid system.