WET News

AUGUST 2015 WET NEWS 19 AUGUST 2015 WET NEWS 19 The entire system was mapped using new and old records, and field visits enabled manholes to be identified A solution: Hydraulic modelling proves a gem Simulations and 'what if' scenarios proved invaluable, and resulted in a massive saving in project costs. S abesp first developed the hydraulic model for the entire sewer system using Bentley Systems' SewerGEMS. Several scenarios were created based on known information, such as interconnections of storm sewers and rainfall with a return period of ten to 100 years, interconnections of new com- mercial and residential develop- ments, and infiltration through pipe joints predominantly in ceramic pipes. The entire system was then mapped using both new and old records, field books, and information entered manually in digitised plans. Field visits followed to identify manholes, as manhole covers had been partially obscured by asphalt resurfacing works performed during the years of abandon- ment. Next, the interconnec- tion projects required to re-establish the system were performed, including uncon- ventional interconnections such as the use of pipes with inverted slopes. "SewerGEMS was a major decision-making tool," says André Miguel, engineer at Sabesp. "As the volume of effluent produced in the entire sewer network increased by the Malvern, Worcs WR14 1JJ, UK Tel: +44 (0) 1684 891 371 info@pulsar-pm.com www.pulsar-pm.com SLUDGE INTERFACE DETECTION Sludge Finder 2 reliably measures primary, secondary and tertiary interface levels in treatment and process applications. l Remote monitoring – no need for site visit l Gives tank profile, status and blanket level in up to two tanks simultaneously l Self cleaning and maintenance free l 4-20mA with optional radio modem and RS485 Expert speakers include: Event partners Follow us @utilityweek using #utilitysafety www.uw-hs.net Chair: Teresa Budworth Chief Executive, NEBOSH Peter Baker Chief Inspector of Construction, HSE Doug Wilson Health & Safety Director, Scottish Power Thomas Enright Head of Safety, Health, Environment and Quality, A• nity Water Heather Bryant Director of Health, Safety & Environment, Balfour Beatty Neal Stone Acting Chief Executive, British Safety Council Chris Huddart Head of Health, Safety & Environment, British Gas Alister Scott Head of Health and Deputy Chief Medical O• cer, BT Group A must-attend event for forward-thinking health and safety professionals from UK water, gas and electricity utilities and contractors who strive to make health and safety their number one priority Supported by Attend this one-day conference to: ● Learn how you can design strategies to improve the health and safety performance of your contractors ● Find out how to more effectively measure health and safety performance ● Discover innovative approaches to raise health and safety awareness and liaise with the public ● Gain insights into the implications of CDM on the utility sector ● Explore innovative ways to prevent work-related illness Sponsored by UW-H&S16brochure-addedbullets.indd 3 19/06/2015 16:55 volume of stormwater and system infiltration, it was feared that the antiquated sewer conduits deployed in the early 20th century would not be capable of handling the increase in volume and that overflows might occur in various sections of the network. Using SewerGEMS, Sabesp prepared simulations for various what-if scenarios to prove that the sewer system could meet demands even under extreme conditions." Elevation Additional simulations helped identify the best way to connect the abandoned sewer conduits to the existing system taking into account their elevation differences. The model played a crucial role in justifying the deployment of an inverted trap on a 1,200mm main, which ena- bled the effective interconnec- tion of all conduits upstream to the existing area. Ultimately, a review was conducted on technical records, relisting sewer conduits and abandoned systems, as well as all other changes identified by inspections. By treating 1,800m3 per hour of sewage with the Barueri wastewater treatment plant, this project significantly reduced effluent discharges into rivers and streams, ensuring less pollution. The improvement in water quality will not only decrease waterborne diseases, but it will also reduce the number of times service pipes are clogged, and limit the amount of associated cleaning and clearing services performed in the sewer system's conduits. The SewerGEMS analysis project enabled a reduction of the initial estimated project costs from BRL30M to BRL5M (£6M to £1M), which includes the development of a new system of trunk conduits. Also, the hydraulic model enabled Sabesp to reduce project time considerably, saving months it would have required to evaluate the network and anticipate future events, especially those related to climatic conditions. Miguel concludes: "The reliability demonstrated by the results acquired through SewerGEMS is evident. We are very satisfied and believe that this tool will really help us understand and anticipate any correction for problems in the complex operation of hydraulic systems." The kit: Water quality firewall Optiqua Technologies www.optiqua.com Optiqua Technologies has been awarded a grant from the European Commission's Horizon 2020 SME Instrument for the development of an innovative water quality firewall solution. The AquaSHIELD solution will combine 24/7 online and real-time event detection with high spec analytical capabilities for the rapid screening of water for the presence of multiple substances. Aimed at water security and smart water network applications, the firewall will provide an affordable platform suitable for deployment in a distributed network in the field as well as a mobile system, and for operation by non-specialist personnel. The AquaSHIELD concept is based on two established water quality monitoring products of Optiqua, and will make use of the company's patented and awarded optical sensor technology. Optiqua's online water quality monitoring solution, EventLab, will provide the real-time detection capabilities for contamination events in the distribution grid, while the MiniLab technology will provide the rapid and automated screening capability for a set of specific target compounds. The use of a network approach provides important added information, such as localisation and tracing of contamination events. Integration into the AquaSHIELD firewall solution will provide utilities with a unique tool to continuously monitor their network for any water quality related issues and to optimize the drinking water distribution process. The H2020 SME Instrument helps high-potential SMEs to bring ground breaking innovative ideas to the global market.

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