Application of pressure monitoring and modelling to detect and minimize low pressure events in distribution systems

Abstract

Research Article| March 01 2005 Application of pressure monitoring and modelling to detect and minimize low pressure events in distribution systems Richard W. Gullick; Richard W. Gullick 1Environmental Engineering & Technology, Inc., 73 N. Grove St.Berlin, NJ 08009, USA Tel: +856-875-6140 Fax: +856-875-6142; E-mail: rgullick@eetinc.com Search for other works by this author on: This Site PubMed Google Scholar Mark W. LeChevallier; Mark W. LeChevallier 2American Water, Voorhees, NJ 08043, USA Search for other works by this author on: This Site PubMed Google Scholar James Case; James Case 2American Water, Voorhees, NJ 08043, USA Search for other works by this author on: This Site PubMed Google Scholar Don J. Wood; Don J. Wood 3University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506-0108, USA Search for other works by this author on: This Site PubMed Google Scholar James E. Funk; James E. Funk 3University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506-0108, USA Search for other works by this author on: This Site PubMed Google Scholar Melinda J. Friedman Melinda J. Friedman 4HDR/EES, Bellevue, WA 98009, USA Search for other works by this author on: This Site PubMed Google Scholar Journal of Water Supply: Research and Technology-Aqua (2005) 54 (2): 65–81. https://doi.org/10.2166/aqua.2005.0007 Article history Received: March 12 2004 Accepted: August 16 2004 Views Icon Views Article contents Figures & tables Video Audio Supplementary Data Share Icon Share Twitter LinkedIn Tools Icon Tools Cite Icon Cite Permissions Search Site Search nav search search input Search input auto suggest search filter All ContentAll JournalsThis Journal Search Advanced Search Citation Richard W. Gullick, Mark W. LeChevallier, James Case, Don J. Wood, James E. Funk, Melinda J. Friedman; Application of pressure monitoring and modelling to detect and minimize low pressure events in distribution systems. Journal of Water Supply: Research and Technology-Aqua 1 March 2005; 54 (2): 65–81. doi: https://doi.org/10.2166/aqua.2005.0007 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Reference Manager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex A variety of normal water distribution system operations will result in pressure fluctuations that can possibly lead to the occurrence of relatively brief (transient) low or negative pressures at various locations of the system, thus creating the potential for backsiphonage or backpressure of non-potable water from external sources into the distribution system, including contaminated water around leaking pipes. Extensive pressure monitoring of a single distribution system using seven electronic data loggers for 1.4 years found only nine occasions when distribution system pressures were less than 138 kPa (20 psi). No negative pressures were observed. Evidence showed that most low pressure events were caused by pump shutdowns. Distribution system modelling suggested that negative pressures (<0 kPa) were possible when the water treatment plant pumping station lost power. The model simulations suggested that protection against low pressures is possible by installing hydro-pneumatic tanks downstream of the pumping stations. Modelling results suggested that air/vacuum valves did not offer reliable protection against low pressures in the system. distribution system, intrusion, modelling, monitoring, pressure, surge This content is only available as a PDF. © IWA Publishing 2005 You do not currently have access to this content.