Surge tank

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A surge tank (or surge drum or surge pool) is a standpipe or storage reservoir at the downstream end of a closed aqueduct, feeder pipe, or dam to absorb sudden rises of pressure, as well as to quickly provide extra water during a brief drop in pressure.

In mining technology, ore pulp pumps use a relatively small surge tank to maintain a steady loading on the pump.

For hydroelectric power uses, a surge tank is an additional storage space or reservoir fitted between the main storage reservoir and the powerhouse (as close to the powerhouse as possible). Surge tanks are usually provided in high or medium-head plants when there is a considerable distance between the water source and the power unit, necessitating a long penstock. The main functions of the surge tank are: 1. When the load decreases, the water moves backward and gets stored in it. 2. When the load increases, the additional supply of water will be provided by a surge tank.

In short, the surge tank mitigates pressure variations due to rapid changes in the velocity of water.