Vela A., Pérez R., Vicent B. Espert Alemany

1991

II Computer Methods in Water Resources (Groundwater modelling and pressure flow)

Marrakesh (Morocco)

20-22 February

In water distribution networks, their components are subjected to the ageing process, to wearing in the performance of assigned functions and to deterioration by exposure to the operating environment. Currently, available models are capable of determining flows, energy losses and pressures in water networks. However, there are difficulties in dealing with the problem of leakage variation. The methodology presented in this paper explicitly includes leakages in a water distribution network. Particularly during the night period when the pressure rises owing to the decrease in consumption demands, the volume of leakages can amount to 90% of the instantaneous production and consequently represents the main potential for improvement of the water distribution system economy. The objective of this paper is to present a new computer model for network-analysis in order to consider leakages in ageing systems subjected to multiple loading conditions. Currently in a data base model the demanded flow rate in each node are introduced as a data. In this flow rate there is no distinction between consumed and lost flow. The new methodology we present in this paper consists of adding to the network some fictitious nodes in which the leakage flows will be consumed depending on the pressure level of the network. In a certain state of the system, the consuming modulation is assigned only to the real nodes, while the set of fictitious nodes will demand automatically the leak flow rate corresponding to the established pressure field. This methodology leads to adjustment of the leak flow rate by means of one parameter in every fictitious node. So the model can be calibrated using a reference situation.

• Analysis and design of hydraulic systems
• Hydraulic transients
• Hydraulic items
• Operation and maintenance of systems
• Management of water services
• Efficient use of water
• Water and Environmental Policy
• Energy efficiency in pressurized water networks
• Infrastructure Asset Management (IAM)