Which component of a hydronic piping system can lead to water hammer if not properly controlled?

In a hydronic piping system, flow velocity plays a crucial role in determining the dynamics of fluid movement. When the velocity of water moving through the pipes is too high and suddenly changes — for example, because of a rapid closure of a valve or a change in direction — it can create significant pressure fluctuations. This phenomenon is known as water hammer.

Water hammer occurs when the inertia of the moving water generates shock waves as it abruptly stops or changes direction. As a result, the pressure wave can propagate through the system, leading to noise, potential system damage, and even failure of components if not properly managed. Proper control of flow velocity, therefore, is essential to minimize the risk of water hammer by preventing these abrupt changes in momentum that lead to pressure surges.

While other factors like temperature, pressure, and pipe material also influence the performance of a hydronic system, they do not have the same direct impact on the occurrence of water hammer as flow velocity does. Managing flow velocity by using appropriate pipe sizes and regulating the speed of pumps can help mitigate the risk of this phenomenon effectively.