Development and Verification of a Pipe Network Scale Model

Abstract

The main function of a water supply and storm sewer pipe network is to properly maintain planned flow rates, water pressure, and water depth within pipes. This can be simulated with a numerical analysis model. In general, model experiments are required to verify and correct the accuracy of numerical analysis models, but due to the nature of complex facilities, scale model experiments and related studies are very limited. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a kit capable of general-purpose scale model experiments for water and sewage networks, and verified the applicability of the developed model through simple experiments. A set of model experimental parts, including manhole parts, pipe connections, and venturi meters for pipe network implementation and measurement, was manufactured with a three-dimensional printer (Stratasys F170). The angle, height difference, and slope of the pipe could be adjusted. A pipe connection cap was developed to implement all commercial circular pipes with a diameter of 300 mm to 1,200 mm based on 1/50 scale. A transparent acrylic pipe was used. EPANET analysis indicated that the scale model experiment of the water supply network, with 13 manholes, 18 pipelines, and 5 venturi meters had a flow error of about 13% in the total pipeline and about 8% in the venturi meter measurement value. In addition, a scale model of the storm sewer pipe network was developed to determine the change in water depth according to the connection angle of the pipe. Results of simulations in FLUENT showed a similar trend in water depth change.