I've got a liquid pipeline fed by centrifugal pumps.  Following a surge event (outlet ESD valve rapidly closed, pumps left running), is it possible for the line to have a final or settle-out pressure greater than the pump shut-off pressure?  If the surge pressure wave is still bouncing up and down the pipe after it has packed and reached pump shut-off, does the pressure eventually attenuate or can it remain - giving the high pressure?

Yes, if the ESD closes rapidly, surge pressures greater than the pipe design pressure can be developed. There are methods to calculate the surge pressure. I know that Flowmaster software can be used to calculate the surge pressures.

But what about pump minimum flow recycle line? Is there a minimum flow recylce line installed? If yes, then surge may not be of that problem because when the ESD closes, the the minimum flow recycle line should open so that no surge will develop.   

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