Author(s): Stefania Piazza; Mariacrocetta Sambito; Gabriele Freni

Linked Author(s): Mariacrocetta Sambito, Gabriele Freni

Keywords: Water distribution networks; Péclet number; Diffusion; Dispersion; EPANET

Abstract: To model the water quality within the distribution networks, simplified models are used (such as EPANET), which use an advective-reactive approach and neglect relevant phenomena, such as diffusion and dispersion, for low values of the Reynolds number. Although valid in the presence of a purely turbulent flow regime, as they do not produce substantial modelling errors, these simplifications are not applicable equally to all distribution networks. Therefore, the present study defines a threshold of the Péclet number, which relates the effectiveness of mass transport by advection with the effectiveness of mass transport by dispersion or diffusion, in order to establish a priori the behaviour of the water distribution network and find the most suitable model to use. The numerical analysis was applied to a real case study (network of Oreto-Stazione) using EPANET advective model and EPANET-DDR (Dynamic-Dispersion-Reaction) model, developed by the authors.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/1136/1/012049

Year: 2022