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:
Analysers for use in high ambient temperature environments
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
The 993X series of analysers from Ametek Process Industries are now IECEx Zone 2 certified for use in locations with up to 60°C ambient temperature. Built with IP66-rated enclosures and using an integrated cooling system, they can be installed outdoors or in minimally temperature-controlled enclosures, reducing complexity while lowering capital and operating costs.
Read more...
The art of precision measurement
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
To achieve precise, reliable measurement results when scanning component parts, use is frequently made of reference points. In optical measuring processes, these permit the referencing of three-dimensional objects during the digitisation.
Read more...
Vibration test system supports international space industry
TANDM Technologies
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
Dragonfly Aerospace has launched EOS SAT-1, one of seven satellites in the world’s first agricultural-focused constellation. With optimisation of resources being a key component for Dragonfly, it called on TANDM to assist in creating and heavily expanding its environmental testing capabilities by providing a vibration test system that allowed it to perform in-house vibration and shock testing.
Read more...
Sensor technology for brewing
Endress+Hauser South Africa
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
Brewing is a delicate balance, blending tradition with innovation. Now, modern sensor technology is stepping in to perfect the art of fermentation.
Read more...
Loesche gets dirty
Loesche South Africa
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
The world’s attention is on environmental sustainability, and the pressure on countries and companies to demonstrate their commitment to preserving the environment and preventing climate change is at an all-time high. As we confront a multitude of environmental and social challenges, managing waste and maximising landfill diversion can play a key role.
Read more...
Water systems with energy savings and sustainability
Labotec
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
ELGA Veolia has relaunched its award-winning PURELAB flex range, with features to reduce the system’s environmental footprint and incorporate some of the latest innovations in water purification technologies. The ecological improvements integrated into the flex range have been made to reduce water and power consumption.
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...
Technology for water sustainability
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...
Reducing water consumption in the cement industry
Loesche South Africa
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
Water is a finite and irreplaceable resource, fundamental to life on earth. LOESCHE’s vision is to enable its customers to produce high-quality cement, without any water consumption.
Read more...
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...
printer friendly version