Hydraulic and economic analysis for rehabilitation of water distribution networks using pipes cleaning and replacement and leakage fixing

Abstract

Water distribution networks (WDNs) are designed to operate over a long period, however, it is expected that their capacity reduces over time. The large set of options that can be applied to improve their capacity, combined with their hydraulic complexity and the search for the most economical solution create a difficult problem to solve. Therefore, in this paper the hydraulic and economic benefits of three rehabilitation strategies: pipes cleaning, pipe replacement and leakage fixing. were evaluated individually first and then combined into two case studies, through a cost minimization using the PSO algorithm. Initially, the relation between the investment and the reduction in pressure deficit is analyzed for each alternative to identify the best strategy, and at which point the benefits are saturated. Then, an optimization considering the combination of the three intervention techniques is made to verify if there is a prioritization of any technique, and if it is related with the individual performance. in economic and hydraulic terms pipe replacement was the best intervention technique, followed by pipe cleaning and leak repair. For substitution, few interventions are sufficient to significantly improve the pressure. Moreover, it was observed that in the intervention - combined, the algorithm prioritizes joint solutions.

Computational Model of Water Distribution Network Life Cycle Deterioration

“…Furthermore, they are 22% higher than the ideal scenario (CN1). These data emphasize the importance of interventions aimed at reducing water losses in the networks, corroborating those in study [43].…”

“…Furthermore, they are 22% higher than the ideal scenario (CN1). These data emphasize the importance of interventions aimed at reducing water losses in the networks, corroborating those in study [43]. Figure 5b presents the critical pressures in the network for each pump deterioration rate, along with the control scenarios.…”