Name a hazard associated with relay pumping.

Name a hazard associated with relay pumping.

• A. Pressure surges, commonly called water hammer.
• B. Reduced friction losses are guaranteed.
• C. No risk of miscommunication.
• D. It eliminates the need for discharge calculations.

Answer: (A)

The hazard in relay pumping is pressure surges in the hose line, known as water hammer. When flow is started, stopped, or its rate changed abruptly—such as opening or closing a valve or starting or stopping a pump—the moving water has momentum that the system must absorb. That momentum creates a pressure wave that travels through the line, causing a spike in pressure. If this surge is large, it can exceed hose or fitting ratings, cause ruptures or leaks, and even injure people nearby. To prevent it, operators coordinate valve actions and pump pressures so flow changes happen gradually, and they monitor discharge pressures to keep surges in check. The other statements don’t describe the actual hazard: friction losses aren’t inherently reduced by relay pumping, miscommunication risk isn’t the hazard itself, and discharge calculations are still essential to prevent surges and operate safely.

The hazard in relay pumping is pressure surges in the hose line, known as water hammer. When flow is started, stopped, or its rate changed abruptly—such as opening or closing a valve or starting or stopping a pump—the moving water has momentum that the system must absorb. That momentum creates a pressure wave that travels through the line, causing a spike in pressure. If this surge is large, it can exceed hose or fitting ratings, cause ruptures or leaks, and even injure people nearby.

To prevent it, operators coordinate valve actions and pump pressures so flow changes happen gradually, and they monitor discharge pressures to keep surges in check. The other statements don’t describe the actual hazard: friction losses aren’t inherently reduced by relay pumping, miscommunication risk isn’t the hazard itself, and discharge calculations are still essential to prevent surges and operate safely.