Water and Effluent Treatment Magazine
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JULY 2016 WET NEWS 17 continuous battery powered network monitoring for residual chlorine t. 0800 8046 062 www.atiuk.com Simulating new intake scenarios in WaterGEMS helped determine how to reduce high-pressure loss, automate terrain extraction and node allocation TECHKNOW • WaterGEMS helped Prolagos model 50-plus hydraulic scenarios for the new water distribution system • The interoperability of WaterGEMS allowed Prolagos to integrate a variety of data • WaterGEMS provided an improved water supply from 91 to 98 percent of residents • The new water distribution system helped to manage seasonal population fluctuations NEED TO KNOW 1 Prolagos implemented a water network design that reduced energy consumption by 59% 2 Energy savings and revenue gains resulting from the project delivered a total return on investment of 323% THE VERDICT "The challenge of water utilities in the 21st century is to be able to respond quickly to the increase of water demand in a more efficient way and with a sustainable approach. The use of software like WaterGEMS allows companies to integrate the entire water network database, including field data, and obtain the best scenario — the one that optimises the water distribution and decreases energy consumption of the system" Wagner Oliveira de Carvalho, senior project manager, Prolagos health and quality of life. Simulating new intake scenarios in WaterGEMS helped the team to determine how to reduce high-pressure loss, automate terrain extraction and node allocation, and optioneer the best pumping strategy with complex pump combinations for optimal, cost-efficient operation. Modelling in WaterGEMS enabled Prolagos to identify the points in the hydraulic system most vulnerable to transients, thereby minimising operational risk. Reduced energy Using WaterGEMS to leverage network data, the team implemented a design that reduced energy consumption by 59%, delivered revenue gains of 30%, and generated an annual cost saving of BRL17M (£3.4M). The design enhanced network efficiency and expanded water supply to residents from 91% to 98%. By modelling the various supply scenarios, Prolagos optimised water distribution during the summer months when demand is at the highest, and was able to increase the pressure to reach high altitudes of the region facilitating a better quality of service. Using WaterGEMS, the team created the hydraulic model and integrated it with SCADA, client demand, the system registry of water-supply network, and maintenance history data to enable all stakeholders to accurately visualise the expansion scenarios and compare the best solutions in a fast, simple, and effective manner. The inter-operability and user- friendly environment of WaterGEMS enabled approval of the design in record time, reducing delivery time and cost. WaterGEMS helped the Prolagos team to deliver a 323% return on investment resulting from energy savings and revenue gains. Carvalho says: "The use of so™ware such as WaterGEMS allows companies to integrate the entire network database available and obtain the best scenario – the one that optimises water distribution and decreases energy consumption of the system." n Aidan Mercer is industry marketing director, utilities and government, at Bentley.