Author(s): Jose G. Vasconcelos; Vitor G. Geller
Linked Author(s): Jose Vasconcelos
Keywords: Water distribution system; Air pressurization; EPANET
Abstract: Drinking water networks (DWN) across the world undergo priming following repair procedures or when these are commissioned. In this process, water that is admitted through a valve will displace air, which will be ventilated at locations that have contact with the atmosphere. As it escapes, air phase pressurizes within distribution networks, creating a very complex two-phase flow regime as water main reaches are pressurized. There is no available methodology to provide an estimate of how much air phase pressurizes in the earlier stages of DWN priming, consisting thus in a clear knowledge gap. We propose a simple methodology applying the widely used EPANET tool to compute the velocity and air phase pressurization through modifications to the emitter coefficient used in that model. This approach is demonstrated through a sample network in which a steady water inflow is admitted as air escapes through multiple hydrants, with EPANET computing air flow velocity and pressure. Future work aims to add the ability to consider air pressurization in other system-wide water modeling tools.
Year: 2025