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Network Modelling

Network Modelling is now a well-established function within most water companies and is used for water distribution planning, design and management worldwide.

It involves modelling the steady state performance of trunk mains and distribution systems and then calculating the flow required and how that can be conveyed during typical and high flow demand days.

Generally, our clients now have models of their major systems and the key objective is to use these models to achieve real financial returns. So, one of our fastest growing services is to use these network models to enhance management and operations. Often, our clients talk about us being ‘Model Users’ – taking the models that asset owners have invested significant amounts in over the years and using them to delivering real tangible benefits:

• We have a wide experience of preparing control strategies for complex systems to save power and ease the workload by recommending automation.
• We can provide leak detection algorithms and advice. This can include the identification of high-risk areas and preventing operations that intensify that risk.
• We are working with clients to integrate Telemetry/DCS systems with the knowledge of the system hydraulic performance to provide advanced management systems and processes. This alignment allows better performance with fewer man-hours.
• Emergency planning can be a very beneficial method of ensuring that mistakes are not made during the stressful instances where the system has problems. This can ensure continuity of supply and can minimise the occurrence of contamination and leaks during abnormal operations.

In addition, we can use many network models as input to our surge studies. This reduces the cost of surge studies and ensures that network models and surge models use the same data and calibration parameters.