Impact of pipe material on the wall reaction coefficients and its application in the rehabilitation of water supply system of San Pedro Nexapa, State of Mexico

Abstract

Abstract One of the major challenges faced by water companies around the world is the high level of chlorine losses in distribution networks. This paper presents an experimental study to examine chlorine loss in different types of pipe materials and select the ones with low chlorine demand for the rehabilitation of the water distribution network of San Pedro Nexapa, State of Mexico. The materials investigated include: polyvinyl chloride (PVC), galvanized steel (GS), polypropylene (PP) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE). A 24-h chlorine consumption study was performed in a simulated water distribution network to assess the impact of wall reaction coefficient on chlorine decay. Four sets of independent pipe loops of 50 mm in diameter and 12 m in length were used. Two different scenarios were considered based on different initial chlorine concentration (1.21 mg/L and 1.60 mg/L). Samples were collected at each loop at two-hour intervals and physicochemical analyses were conducted. Results from the experimental distribution network showed that the wall coefficient values for GS, HDPE, PP and PVC were 0.165 h−1, 0.059 h−1, 0.043 h−1 and 0.026 h−1, respectively. Experimental results showed that wall reaction coefficient values depend on initial chlorine concentration and the characteristics of pipe material. The rate of free chlorine decay was found to be faster in steel pipe and slower in the plastic pipes. Based on its having the lowest chlorine demand compared with the other pipes, PVC pipe would be selected to rehabilitate Nexapa water distribution network, State of Mexico. The wall coefficients from the experimental study were incorporated into EPANET through four simulation runs to predict chorine decay of San Pedro Nexapa water distribution network, State of Mexico. In the PVC and PP pipes higher residual chlorine concentrations were observed that ranged from 0.30 to 0.90 mg/L and 0.50 to 0.95 mg/L, respectively. This study is important for utilities to operate their system effectively and protect public health.