Pressure Management
Pressure management is one of the essential elements that must be included in a well-structured physical water loss management strategy. The loss/leakage rate in the water distribution networks is directly related to the pressure provided by the promotion or the gravity. If your network is not measurable, it cannot be managed. First of all, it is necessary to create measurable zones on the network. Since the pipes in the old type distribution systems are mostly interconnected, management and measurement are not possible.
In order to manage the network more efficiently, it should be divided into measurable and isolated regions called DMA (District Metered Area). Each zone is hydraulically separated from the other pressure zone and a controllable network model emerges. If the pressure is not controlled, water losses increase and malfunctions increase due to high pressure. Pressure management (DMA) zones that are hydraulically separated from each other must be pressurized as needed, in accordance with the characteristics of the zone, in order to both reduce losses and reduce the number of failures. With the dynamic pressure management application, the night flow should be followed and the management should continue in this direction.
Active leaks should be detected and leak points on the line should be repaired. By navigating the network over the numerical data at hand, Leakage points should be determined by making acoustic listenings, especially during the hours when the noise is low. Repairing the detected leak points is an important factor in reducing water losses. It is a process that should be applied periodically.
How is it applied?
The values obtained from the Management Software and pressure sensors in the by-pass area created on the line are evaluated instantly by the SCADASU Electronic PRV Controller, and the pressure in the line is kept at the desired value by sending a command to the pressure control valve in the direction of opening or closing. The PRV Controller evaluates the data it receives from the Management Software and pressure sensors and commands the pressure control valve.
The PRV Controller sends the inlet pressure, outlet pressure, instantaneous flow, total flow and battery level in the unit and the level of the external energy source to the system center at specified periods. The GSM communication module in the PRV Controller remains in continuous on-line connection with the system center. In case of communication failure, it keeps records within itself, and when communication is restored, it sends all data back to the center.
Water Losses and Network Failures are Decreased
As seen in the graphic above, the amount of non-revenue water (lost water) begins to decrease with the application of pressure management. With the reduction of water losses, field operation costs are also significantly reduced. Network failures are significantly reduced. Along with water, savings begin to be made in new investment plans. Customer satisfaction is ensured.
Using PRV Controller
The way to achieve maximum efficiency in water loss reduction projects is to perform pressure management with the PRV Controller. The PRV Controller provides flexibility and convenience in pressure management. It offers multiple pressure management models. Zone pressure can be managed with the most suitable model for the DMA characteristic. All network events can be monitored and controlled remotely.
- Flow Modulation
- Scheduled
- Critical Point
- Fixed Pressure
Zone pressure is managed based on flow data from the flow meter. The information on the flow value of the zone pressure is calculated and written in the flow table in advance. PRV Controller constantly revises the outlet pressure by comparing the instantaneous flow information with the table. This method is the most efficient pressure management model known. The best efficiency is achieved in reducing water losses by keeping the zone pressure at a minimum level at night when the flow is low.
Zone pressure is adjusted according to the time and pressure values specified in the tariff table. PRV Controller commands the pressure control valve according to the output pressure set determined in the time periods in the tariff table. Pressure set value can be entered for 10 different time periods in a day. In addition, tables with different time-pressure settings can be created for different days of the week.
The location with the highest elevation in the region is determined as the critical point. A critical point datalogger is operated at this location. The critical point datalogger transmits the measured pressure information to the PRV Controller. The PRV Controller, on the other hand, evaluates the incoming pressure data and determines the pressure value that should be provided at the critical point as a target.
It is used in cases where the pressure in the zone needs to be kept at a constant value. PRV Controller keeps the zone pressure at the same level according to the constant pressure set value. No matter how high the inlet pressure rises, the outlet pressure always remains the same.
Fixed pressure management is a model that should be applied according to the zone characteristic. As in other models, it provides a significant reduction in water losses and network failures.