What is the function of a shock absorber in piping systems?

The primary function of a shock absorber in piping systems is to mitigate water hammer effects. Water hammer is a pressure surge that occurs when a fluid in motion is forced to stop or change direction suddenly. This phenomenon can create a loud banging noise and can lead to damage in the piping system due to the intense pressure fluctuations.

Shock absorbers, often referred to as "shock tanks" or "arrestors," are installed in a piping system specifically to absorb the sudden kinetic energy created by these pressure surges. By doing this, they help stabilize the pressure within the system, preventing the abrupt changes that lead to wear, potential leakage, or even catastrophic failure of pipes.

In contrast, other functions such as reducing friction, increasing fluid velocity, or minimizing thermal expansion are important in their own right but do not directly relate to the specific role that shock absorbers play in addressing water hammer issues. Friction reduction is typically achieved through pipe material selection and surface treatment, while fluid velocity is managed by pipe diameter and pump specifications. Minimizing thermal expansion involves design considerations like expansion joints or flexible fittings rather than shock absorber incorporation.