Regime transients in water distribution network due to sectorization, Case Study of Casablanca city, Morocco

Abstract

The sectorization of Water Distribution Networks (WDN) is characterized by valve closures to control the volumes distributed and help to manage water losses. These valve maneuvers are characterized by wave propagation of varying severity, which are considered as a major problem in the under-load networks. In this research, we are interested in evaluating the impact of valve operations on the occurrence of transient regimes in a Discrete Hydraulic Sector (DHS) of the WDN of the city of Casablanca. The required hydraulic model was established using the code of B. HAMMER. Real simulations of valve closures were performed in the field, case of a pipe with and without a connection, a mesh network and a pipe with opening fire hydrant. The simulations thus carried out show that the sudden opening/closing, in the case of the valve of large diameter and pipe with a high wave propagation velocity, the transient phenomenon results in a significant induced pressure head which could lead to a break in distribution. The findings of this research work and the proposed approach would promote for the utility managers a new process to follow of partitioning a WDN without mechanical stress on the pipe components during the operation of sectorization..