What causes the phenomenon known as water hammer?

Water hammer occurs when a high-velocity fluid, such as steam, encounters a pocket of water in a piping system. This situation can lead to the sudden deceleration of the steam, creating a shock wave that reverberates through the pipes. The impact of steam on the water creates a pressure wave, which manifests as a loud banging noise known as water hammer.

In steam systems, it is important to maintain proper drainage and avoid water accumulation in pipes to prevent such occurrences. High-velocity steam can forcefully strike water pockets that have not been adequately drained, leading to the rapid conversion of kinetic energy into pressure that causes the water hammer effect. Understanding this phenomenon is crucial for maintaining the integrity and efficiency of steam systems.