WET News

November 2016 WET NEWS 17 Creating 3D models gives engineers a better understanding of real systems. WeT News caught up with bentley System's robert mankowski to find out more. Modelling makes efficiencies become a reality INSIGHT Hydraulic modelling • Q Can you explain the optimum way CAD software should be used for the water/ wastewater sectors? Hydraulic modelling is the process of creating a mathematical representation of a real system using a 3D model that simulates the hydraulic behaviour of the system. These models are created using applications, such as Bentley's WaterGEMS or SewerGEMS, specifically designed for this purpose. There are several other modelling types used by utilities other than hydraulic modelling. They include water quality modelling, energy use modelling, reliability and performance modelling, operational analytics, and various types of optimisation. How utilities model water and wastewater systems continues to evolve. Where once utilities modelled their systems strictly for traditional design and planning purposes, these models can now provide decision-support capabilities to utilities that improve operational efficiency particularly in the context of asset management and asset performance management. They can also use the model to determine the capital improvements necessary to meet the current and future needs of the population it serves, or understand how to respond to emergencies like pipe breaks or other large unplanned water usage, such as firefighting, while minimising the impacts to the overall system, or how to flush the system in response to an unexpected water quality event like a chemical spill. By creating a 3D model, engineers are able to gain a better understanding of the real system, which leads to better decisions and better performing assets. Many different so†ware types exist – Modelling, GIS, SCADA, smart metering data, etc. Q Do you think there are water utilities unfamiliar with the capabilities of these systems? There are many water and wastewater utilities across the world, some of which are very small, local operators. So yes, I think there are some utilities out there that only have a notional idea of the capabilities of these types of solutions, or do not believe they would add a lot of value in the context of their system. With that said, I think most utilities of reasonable size and sophistication have a good understanding of the capabilities, but I don't think many have really maximised the use of these systems in an integrated asset management process. While some utilities have implemented one or more of these systems, and each has value as a standalone system serving a specific purpose within a utility, we believe there is greater value to be achieved by integrating these systems with a common information management environment. When implemented, a common information management environment allows owner-operators to apply the commonality of business processes and information models across the full lifecycle of their assets, magnifying the benefits of each individual information system they have deployed. The proliferation in the use of sensors is leading to increased monitoring and measurement of water and wastewater network and plant assets. The convergence of information, operational, and engineering technologies and their data will assist water and wastewater owners to move from a reactive to pro-active predictive mode in maintenance management. This will lead to better-informed emergency response to main bursts, or dealing with combined sewer overflows for example. This will improve their operational efficiencies such as energy and carbon management. But, more importantly, it will deliver a better level of service to customers. Q What is the difference between the data water utilities get from models as opposed to the data they get from other software, such as SCADA? Well, for one thing, models provide data by simulating the existing system or of a proposed system, whereas SCADA provides a remote view of

• Cover