Figure 1 : Flow modulated outlet pressure control with smart device control π www . valve-world . net Valve World November 2024
SMART VALVES
Smart valve solutions for municipal water leakage reduction
Discover how advanced pressure management techniques , particularly smart valve control systems , are revolutionising municipal water supply networks by significantly reducing water leakage while maintaining service quality .
By Guenter Oexler
Water leakage in municipal supply systems is a critical issue faced by utilities worldwide . With increasing water scarcity and the need for sustainable resource management , innovative solutions are required to minimise losses and optimise distribution networks . This article explores the concept of pressure management and the implementation of smart valve control systems as an effective strategy for leakage reduction in municipal water supply networks .
Understanding pressure management in water supply systems
Municipal water supply systems are typically designed to meet peak demand periods while maintaining a minimum pressure level at the critical point – the location with the lowest pressure in the network . This design approach often results in higher-thannecessary pressures throughout the system during off-peak hours , leading to increased water leakage . The fundamental principle behind pressure management is simple : leakage is directly influenced by pressure . By reducing water pressure , even for part of the day , leakage can be significantly decreased . However , the relationship between pressure and leakage is complex and varies depending on the types of leaks and pipe materials present in the system .
Pressure leakage and discharge types
To understand the impact of pressure management on leakage reduction , it ’ s essential to consider the Fixed and Variable Area Discharges ( FAVAD ) theory . This theory describes two main types of leaks : 1 . Fixed area leaks : Typically found in iron or steel pipes , these leaks maintain a constant hole size regardless of pressure changes . In such cases , doubling the pressure results in approximately a 40 % increase in leakage .
2 . Variable area leaks : Common in plastic or asbestos cement pipes , these leaks expand as pressure increases . Doubling the pressure can lead to a leakage increase of up to eight times the original level .
Most water supply systems contain a mixture of fixed and variable area leaks , with the proportion depending on the types of pipes in the network . This complexity highlights the importance of implementing sophisticated pressure management techniques to effectively reduce leakage .
Evolving pressure management techniques
Several pressure management techniques can be employed to reduce leakage in water supply systems . Each method has its advantages and disadvantages , and the choice depends on factors such as system requirements , available resources and technical capabilities . Let ’ s explore these
Figure 1 : Flow modulated outlet pressure control with smart device control π www . valve-world . net Valve World November 2024
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