Sophisticated water network analysis
April 2001
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
Increased profitability usually starts with an increase in efficient application of resources. Using a single set of demand parameters for designing a water network will not produce optimum results. Rather, analysis and design through a complete cycle must be performed using realistic demands.
Portion of the Thabazimbi model during the analysis process
Aquanet, the water network analysis program supplied by Allyson Lawless, has recently been extended to allow modelling over a 52-week cycle. This means that a daily demand pattern per 15 min increments, a weekly demand pattern by day and an annual demand pattern by week may be entered into the demand pattern menu.
Aquanet is a highly interactive graphics design application running stand-alone or on Civil Designer and AutoCAD 2000 using Microsoft Access for storing the data. The application allows for time simulation, taking daily demand patterns as well as seasonal peak factors into account. When up and running, the true consumption will be compared to the theoretical model by means of linking the design and financial databases containing field readings. This will allow refining of the theoretical model for picking up possible bursts or problem areas at a glance. This ability to link databases to the network model allows for GIS type reporting and will be used as a management tool.
Aquanet boasts various methods of creating a network, eg DXF import, ASCII file import, other software file imports as well as the ability of calling up background bitmaps or DXF drawings. Using the friendly graphical interface to model the network within Aquanet, it also uses AutoCAD 3D faces or lines or 3D DXF DTM files from other software packages to interpolate ground elevations.
The software uses the powerful and tightly integrated functions of Civil Designer to load Allycad, AutoCAD and Caddie drawings, large raster images and DTMs. This allows all services to be modelled on one DTM creating one drawing showing all services, allowing clashes to be detected between services. Aquanet uses the fast and easy to use CAD functions to import the layout and whatever intelligence available on the drawing such as draw-offs, levels, diameters, etc. The positions of valves, pump stations and reservoirs may also be established from the symbols on the CAD layouts.
On-screen graphic functions allow the user to generate pipes, nodes, pump stations, valves, reservoirs, pressure release chambers, insert nodes, join pipes, insert bends, make connections, or delete pipes, nodes and fittings. When the pipe geometry has been defined, attributes may be assigned using various methods. A comprehensive range of pipe materials, valve and pump curve tables are available for selection.
During the analysis, pumps and valves may be seen kicking in or switching off depending on pressure, flow or level conditions, and time controls. Reservoirs filling and emptying are also very clearly presented graphically during the simulation process. Colour graphics of the head losses, pressures, flows, pipe sizes are produced to assist with decision making on an optimal solution.
The Aquanet product is being developed further to cover the whole workflow in water management. Future developments will include a costing module, telemetry data links, optimisation module, and more. Road, sewer, stormwater or water design will be done simply by switching between modules that run within one interface.
With these ongoing developments and future plans, Aquanet is becoming an indispensable tool for water networks modelling, design and maintenance. Being a local product, data adaptations to the local market demands are assured.
Allyson Lawless
(011) 476 4100
[email protected]
www.ally.co.za
Further reading:
Ensuring occupational health and safety in mining
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
Probe Integrated Mining Technologies (Probe IMT) has partnered with M3SH Technology to offer state-of-the-art environmental monitoring solutions that address these dual requirements.
Read more...
Sustainability of surface water
Endress+Hauser South Africa
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
The sustainability of surface water is critical for South Africa’s economic development, social well-being and environmental health. Endress+Hauser has a full range of liquid analysis sensors and transmitters to measure important parameters and has an excellent global track record in water and wastewater process plants and various surface and industrial water monitoring sites.
Read more...
Keeping an eye on invisible radiation
Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
At its peak in 1994, the energy generation capacity of the UK’s nuclear power stations was 12,7 GW across 16 plants. In 2024, the capacity has fallen to around 5 GW, and the number of stations is down to nine. However, this is far from the end of the story as spent nuclear fuel remains radioactive for centuries, and requires rigorous safety processes to safeguard against leaks.
Read more...
Effective dust control in sugar processing
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
BLT WORLD specialists work in conjunction with the global ScrapeTec team to offer dependable solutions for specific problems at the transfer points of conveyor systems in many industries where dust and material spillage are concerns, including the sugar sector.
Read more...
A benchmark for lubricant reliability in mining
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
According to Craig FitzGerald from ISO-Reliability Partners, mines can save R500 000 or more on their yearly mill cleaning costs, while electricity consumption can be reduced by up to 12%, and lubricant consumption lowered up by up to 60% when using Bel-Ray Clear Gear lubricant.
Read more...
Safeguarding precision in industrial radiometric measurements
Mecosa
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
In the complex landscape of industrial plant operations, precision is paramount, especially when it comes to weld inspections to test for structural integrity of pipes. Berthold has the ideal answer to this challenge – X-Ray Interference Protection.
Read more...
New indoor air quality monitor
RS South Africa
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
RS South Africa has available a new indoor air quality (IAQ) monitor that provides continuous, easy-to-read, and accurate real-time monitoring of air quality in indoor environments.
Read more...
A quick guide to disinfection
Endress+Hauser South Africa
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
The distribution system in a drinking water network provides a reliable supply of high-quality water to consumers. Endress+Hauser’s range of robust, low-maintenance sensors are ideal for monitoring disinfectant levels in the water.
Read more...
Multi-parameter measuring system for water quality monitoring
KROHNE
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
Monitoring different parameters in water treatment processes can lead to a situation where different measuring points are scattered across the plant.
Read more...
Optimising energy consumption in the chemical industry
Anton Paar
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
To optimise energy consumption and save valuable resources on chemical process plants, operators have to continuously measure parameters such as concentration, raw density, sound velocity and refractive index. With Anton Paar’s wide product range, the process application team has many options for cutting-edge laboratory measurement technologies, and can develop tailor-made mathematical models for every application.
Read more...
printer friendly version