Pressure-Driven Demand and Leakage Simulation for Water Distribution Networks

Increasingly, water loss via leakage is acknowledged as one of the main challenges facing water distribution system operations. The consideration of water loss over time, as systems age, physical networks grow, and consumption patterns mature, should form an integral part of effective asset management, rendering any simulation model capable of quantifying pressure-driven leakage indispensable. To this end, a novel steady-state network simulation model that fully integrates into a classical hydraulic representation, pressure-driven demand and leakage at the pipe level is developed and presented here. After presenting a brief literature review about leakage modeling, the importance of a more realistic simulation model allowing for leakage analysis is demonstrated. The algorithm is then tested from a numerical standpoint and subjected to a convergence analysis. These analyses are performed on a case study involving two networks derived from real systems. Experimentally observed convergence/error statistics demonstrate the high robustness of the proposed pressure-driven demand and leakage simulation model.     

Valve Distribution and Impact Analysis in Water Distribution Systems

In water distribution systems, valves play a crucial role in system reliability and security by providing a shutoff function when it is necessary to isolate subsystems. In this paper failure of shutoff valves to close is considered. The failure impact is quantified in terms of the expanding subnetwork and the increased number of customers out of service. To evaluate a system-wide valve failure impact, three methods are suggested: segment–valve matrix, decision tree analysis, and simulation. The segment–valve matrix shows the propagation of failure through the network as valves fail to close. The decision tree enumerates all possible valve failure combinations and corresponding event probabilities. Because the complete enumeration can be unwieldy, simulation procedures are offered that approximate the enumeration results closely. The details of the methods are illustrated with the aid of an example.     

Modeling the Behavior of Flow Regulating Devices in Water Distribution Systems Using Constrained Nonlinear Programming

Currently the modeling of check valves and flow control valves in water distribution systems is based on heuristics intermixed with solving the set of nonlinear equations governing flow in the network. At the beginning of a simulation, the operating status of these valves is not known and must be assumed. The system is then solved. The status of the check valves and flow control valves are then changed to try to determine their correct operating status, at times leading to incorrect solutions even for simple systems. This paper proposes an entirely different approach. Content and co-content theory is used to define conditions that guarantee the existence and uniqueness of the solution. The work here focuses solely on flow control devices with a defined head discharge versus head loss relationship. A new modeling approach for water distribution systems based on subdifferential analysis that deals with the nondifferentiable flow versus head relationships is proposed in this paper. The water distribution equations are solved as a constrained nonlinear programming problem based on the content model where the Lagrangian multipliers have important physical meanings. This new method gives correct solutions by dealing appropriately with inequality and equality constraints imposed by the presence of the flow regulating devices (check valves, flow control valves, and temporarily closed isolating valves). An example network is used to illustrate the concepts.     

Automatic Control Valve–Induced Transients in Operative Pipe System

In most cases, the final configuration of complex pipe networks is attained simply by connecting subsystems initially designed to work separately. Thus, automatic control valves (ACV) are often installed in the confluence nodes where the subsystems meet. The present paper deals with the response and hydraulic behavior of ACVs, topics on which data are scarce. More precisely, attention is focused on transients, which occur in a water-distribution pipe system in operation due to the action of an ACV, both from an experimental and numerical point of view. The aim of the water-hammer field tests is to enlarge the amount of the experimental data concerning unsteady-state flow processes in operating pipe systems. The numerical model extends to field conditions and ACVs laboratory work on the hydraulic characterization of valves and the unsteady-state friction simulation.     

Water Distribution Network Design Using Heuristics-Based Algorithm

Water distribution network that includes supply reservoirs, overhead tanks, consumer demand nodes, interconnecting pipes, lifting pumps, and control valves is the main mode of water supply for majority of the communities especially in urban areas. Supply of required quantity of water and at right time is the primary objective of water distribution network analysis. The analysis of water distribution networks can be broadly classified into design and operation problems and both problems have been the focus of many researchers over the past three decades. In the water distribution network design problems, the target is attaining the cost effective configuration that satisfies the minimum hydraulic head requirement at the demand nodes. In this paper, a new algorithm for design of water distribution network namely “heuristics-based algorithm” which completely utilizes the implicit information associated with the water distribution network to be designed has been proposed and validated with two water distribution networks. It is found that the proposed algorithm performs well for the least-cost design of water distribution networks.     

建立煤气管网自动监控系统的必要性及其方案选择

扼要分析了应用煤气管网自动监控系统以提高煤气输配管理水平的趋势，结合徐州市煤气管网及其管理现状，论述了建立煤气管网自动监控系统的必要性，并就其方案进行综合比较，作出了科学、合理的选择。     

Improved Control of Pressure Reducing Valves in Water Distribution Networks

The behavior of transients in water pipe networks is well understood but the influence of modulating control valves on this behavior is less well known. Experimental work on networks supplied through pressure reducing valves (PRVs) has demonstrated that, in certain conditions, undesirable phenomena such as sustained or slowly decaying oscillation and large pressure overshoot can occur. This paper presents results from modeling studies to investigate interaction between PRVs and water network transients. Transient pipe network models incorporating random demand are combined with a behavioral PRV model to demonstrate how the response of the system to changes in demand can produce large or persistent pressure variations, similar to those seen in practical experiments. A proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control mechanism, to replace the existing PRV hydraulic controller, is proposed and this alternative controller is shown to significantly improve the network response. PID controllers are commonly used in industrial settings and the methods described are easy to implement in practice.     

Modeling and Control of Vinyl Chloride in Drinking Water Distribution Systems

In water distribution systems containing PVC pipe manufactured in the “early era” (prior to 1977), vinyl chloride can leach into drinking water resulting in vinyl chloride concentrations exceeding the 2 μg?L?1 maximum contaminant level. Field testing of dead-end segments of water distribution systems consisting of early-era PVC pipe was conducted to examine their initial intrapipe vinyl chloride monomer (VCM) concentrations based on a Fickian-diffusion-based leaching model. The experiments showed a wide range of VCM concentrations within early-era PVC pipe ranging from less than 50 to more than 600 mg?kg?1. Based on the diffusion modeling approach, a protocol was designed that provides a means for utility managers to calibrate the model for specific dead-end lines. The paper delineates procedures to determine which dead ends require flushing to control vinyl chloride, examines the effects of system parameters such as temperature on vinyl chloride leaching, and provides a method to devise flush schedules and volumes. Through a properly designed, tested, and maintained flush protocol such as that developed in this research, public water systems with dead-end lines consisting of early-era PVC pipe can control vinyl chloride concentrations using either manual or automatic flush valves.     

Address-Oriented Impedance Matrix Method for Generic Calibration of Heterogeneous Pipe Network Systems

The generic evaluation of pipeline parameters is one of the most demanding technological tasks in the efficient management of a water distribution system. Information about current pipeline status is feasible by monitoring the pressure variation online. Conventional methods of transient computation and parameter calibration for a heterogeneous pipeline network suffer from cost issues both in time and storage as well as several other constraints associated with the numerical representation of a real-life system. As an alternative approach, an extension of the impulse response method, namely the address-oriented impedance matrix method (AOIMM), has been developed for a more robust calibration of a heterogeneous and multilooped pipe network system. The genetic algorithm was incorporated into the AOIMM for generic calibration of several parameters, such as the location and quantity of leakage, friction factor, and wave propagation speed. The potential of the proposed calibration algorithm over other conventional approaches was demonstrated when it was applied to a hypothetical heterogeneous pipe network system.     

Leak Analysis in Pipeline Systems by Means of Optimal Valve Regulation

Estimation of water loss at small leaks and openings in different areas of a pipe network is handled by means of an iterative two-step procedure. The first step is estimation of the parameters in the network simulation model. It is achieved with the maximization of a likelihood function, equal to the sum of the squares of the difference between the observed water heads and flow rates and their computed values in a given number of nodes and pipes. The estimated parameters include the loss factors and the loss exponent. They provide the water loss per unit time in each area of the network, called zone. The second step is optimization of the openings of the valves included in the network. It is constrained by the minimum pressure head allowed in the nodes. Closure of the valves enhances the different response of the network with respect to the water loss and the load in each node. The robustness of the procedure is tested with numerical experiments by relaxing most of the assumptions made in the model. The water loss estimation in a real network with fictitious measures also shows the robustness of the procedure.     

正确解决“管网叠压”供水技术推广难题的途径

“管网叠压”供水技术目前正在大面积推广,但绝大多数管网叠压供水设备并没有发挥出应有的作用。原因是供水设备的运行方式不节能、不科学。实践证明：“管网叠压恒压水泵＋屋顶水箱”全自动供水设备是管网叠压供水技术推广的正确途径。     

中板轧制中二次除鳞降压供水实践

本文主要介绍高压水通过适当缩小的管道及控制阀组成的系统,作为中板轧制中的二次降鳞,对解决热轧钢板表面的铁皮压入而进行的首次成功尝试。文中分别对坟管道及控制阀组成系统的工作原理、管道的选用、验算作一介绍。     

Extended Use of Linear Graph Theory for Analysis of Pipe Networks

Linear graph theory used for pipe network analysis is to make the method systematic. A numerical method that uses linear graph theory is presented for the steady-state analysis of flow and pressure in a pipe network including its hydraulic components (pumps, valves, junctions, etc.). The proposed method differs from other linear graph methods in terms of the linear graph and the selection of its tree. The solution algorithm uses a function that depends on a power law to update the pipe flows in successive iterations. The exponents of this function are chosen to obtain a fast convergence rate even for large errors in the assumption of initial pipe flows. The convergence rate of the proposed method is validated using an error function and is compared to those of other methods. Some typical networks are analyzed to check the reliability of the proposed method. The results demonstrate the superior conditioning of the proposed method.     

Robust Water System Design with Commercial Intelligent Search Optimizers

Intelligent-search-based optimizers have shown promise in providing improved links between analysis and design. Genetic-algorithm-based optimizers are often used, but other heuristic methods, such as tabu search, have also been used with good results. A major impediment to using heuristic search methods has been the lack of user-friendly, commercially available software. This is no longer the case due to the availability of several commercial intelligent-search-based optimizers. Robust analysis and optimization of a water distribution network is demonstrated with four commercial optimizers. The hydraulic analysis is performed with WinPipes.EXE, a Windows program based on the EPANET source code. The method is demonstrated by optimizing the New York City Water Supply Tunnel problem, and by the optimal design of a 15-loop, Almos water distribution system. The method is robust because it uses reliable and efficient commercial optimizers, a popular pipe network solver, and constraint penalties to meet the multiple goals of a reliable, low-cost water distribution system, capable of meeting maximum hour demands and fire flow demands.     

Pipe Index Vector: A Method to Improve Genetic-Algorithm-Based Pipe Optimization

This paper proposes a methodology for the optimal design of water distribution systems based on genetic algorithms. The objective of the optimization is to minimize the capital cost, subject to ensuring adequate pressures at all nodes during peak demands. The proposed method is novel in that it involves the use of a pipe index vector to control the genetic algorithm search. The pipe index vector is a measure of the relative importance of pipes in a network in terms of their impact on the hydraulic performance of the network. By using the pipe index vector it is possible to exclude regions of the search space where impractical and infeasible solutions exist. By reducing the search space it is possible to generate feasible solutions more quickly and hence process much healthier populations than would be the case in a standard genetic algorithm. This results in optimal solutions being found in a fewer number of generations resulting in a substantial saving in terms of computational time. The method has been tested on several networks, including networks used for benchmark testing least cost design algorithms, and has been shown to be efficient and robust.     

Efficient Quasi-Two-Dimensional Model for Water Hammer Problems

Quasi-two-dimensional models for turbulent flows in water hammer are necessary for advancing the understanding of flow behavior in pipe transient; conducting detailed investigation of the fate of transient-induced contamination; and validating one-dimensional water hammer models. An existing quasi-two dimensional numerical model for turbulent water hammer flows has the attributes of being robust, consistent with the physics of wave motion and turbulent diffusion, and free from the inconsistency associated with the enforcement of the no slip condition while neglecting the radial velocity at boundary elements, such as valves and reservoirs. However, this scheme is computationally intensive making it unsuitable for practical pipe systems or for conducting numerical experiments. This paper addresses the efficiency and stability of this existing scheme. In particular, algebraic manipulations show that the original scheme can be decoupled into two tridiagonal systems, one for piezometric head and radial flux and another for axial velocity. This decoupling is the reason for the high efficiency of the modified scheme. The original and proposed schemes are applied to a pipe–reservoir–valve system. It is found that, for the same spatial and temporal discretization, both schemes are of equal accuracy. However, significant saving in computer execution time is achieved by using the modified scheme. Application of the modified scheme to pipes of realistic dimensions and wavespeeds (length 35.2 km, diameter 200 mm, and wave speed 1000 m/s) takes only a few minutes to execute. This small execution time requirement makes the current quasi-two-dimensional model suitable for application to practical water hammer problems. The stability domain of the proposed scheme is established using the Von Neumann method.     

Water Distribution Network Renewal Planning

This paper provides an overview of the writers' previous work in formulating a comprehensive approach to the important problem of water distribution network renewal planning, with a particular emphasis on the computing aspects involved. As pipes in a water distribution network age in service, they are characterized by increased frequency of breakage and decreased hydraulic capacity. The resulting service failures incur utility costs for the repair or rehabilitation of the pipe systems and consumer costs for degraded system performance. The challenge to the decision maker is to determine the most cost-effective plan in terms of what pipes in the network to rehabilitate, by which rehabilitation alternative and at what time in the planning horizon, subject to the constraints of service requirements (system reliability, service pressure, etc.) A dynamic programming approach, combined with partial and implicit enumeration schemes, was used to search the vast combinatorial solution space that this problem presents. A computer program was written to implement these concepts. A hydraulic network solver is used by the program to assure the network conformance to hydraulic constraints during the search for a solution. The outcome is a strategy that identifies, for each pipe in the network, the optimal rehabilitation∕renewal alternative and its optimal time of implementation. The significance of this method is in its ability to identify an optimal rehabilitation strategy while considering the deterioration of both structural integrity and hydraulic capacity of the entire network. The best current heuristic method is limited in practical studies to a network of up to 15–20 pipe links. A more efficient heuristic method is required for implementing these principles in a larger-scale water distribution system and is the subject of current research.     

Competent Genetic-Evolutionary Optimization of Water Distribution Systems

A genetic algorithm has been applied to the optimal design and rehabilitation of a water distribution system. Many of the previous applications have been limited to small water distribution systems, where the computer time used for solving the problem has been relatively small. In order to apply genetic and evolutionary optimization technique to a large-scale water distribution system, this paper employs one of competent genetic-evolutionary algorithms—a messy genetic algorithm to enhance the efficiency of an optimization procedure. A maximum flexibility is ensured by the formulation of a string and solution representation scheme, a fitness definition, and the integration of a well-developed hydraulic network solver that facilitate the application of a genetic algorithm to the optimization of a water distribution system. Two benchmark problems of water pipeline design and a real water distribution system are presented to demonstrate the application of the improved technique. The results obtained show that the number of the design trials required by the messy genetic algorithm is consistently fewer than the other genetic algorithms.     

基于改进遗传算法优化神经网络的板形控制

冷轧板形控制系统是一个强耦合、非线性的多变量复杂系统,难以建立精确的数学模型,一般常规的控制方法难以取得令人满意的控制效果。本文依据现场的轧制数据,提出采用自适应竞争遗传算法优化神经网络对其进行建模,采用模糊控制,可实现实时控制,并利用MATLAB编程,仿真结果显示了算法的有效性和时效性。     

Considering Actual Pipe Connections in Water Distribution Network Analysis

The classical assumption of representing total demand along a pipe as two lumped withdrawals at its terminal nodes is hitherto common. It is a simplification of the network topology which is useful in order to drastically reduce the number of nodes during network simulation. Conversely, this simplification does not preserve energy balance equation of pipes and, for this reason, it is an approximation that could generate significant head loss errors. This paper presents a modification of the global gradient algorithm (GGA) which entails an enhancing of GGA (EGGA) permitting the effective introduction of the lumped nodal demands, without forfeiting correctness of energy balance, by means of a pipe hydraulic resistance correction. The robustness and convergence properties of the algorithm are compared with those of the classical GGA. Furthermore, the effectiveness of EGGA is demonstrated by computing the network pressure status under different configurations of the connections along the pipes of a test network.