Task Description:
Analyzing a simple pipeline is straight forward, but when multiple pipe systems are encountered it can become complex and the computational effort increases substantially. Because of the systematic way in which a network can be analyzed, computational software is increasingly used to solve for the flow distribution and pressures within the network. You are to analyze and provide design alternative for the pipe network for the city of Huntington.
Existing Network Analysis: Perform the following analyses
• Using WaterGEMS, solve the system shown in Figure 1.
- Details for pipe characteristics are listed in the associated table
- Use the Pump Characteristic Curve Provided in Figure 2
• Evaluate the system at peak demand where all element demands are 125% larger (i.e., multiply given flows by 2.25).
• Evaluate the system for a fire demand of 500 gpm under peak demand.
Based on the results, comment on the performance of the existing system. It should operate between 30 psig and 140 psig for all normal operating conditions (including peak flow) and should deliver the fire demand at a minimum of 15 psig. Assessing the impact of uncertainty is a critical aspect. For this system, uncertainty exists in the methodological approach for accounting for frictional losses. You must use both the Hazen-Williams and Darcy Weisbach method in order to generate uncertainty bounds for your solution.
Alternatives Design Analysis:
If conditions are not met, present two alternative designs for upgrading the network to ensure successful operation within the pressure requirements. In doing so the original system should be maintained (e.g., pipe diameter, length, roughness parameters). However, you may add additional components including new pumps, reservoirs, parallel lines, etc.
Economic Analysis:
A simple economic analysis is to be conducted based on your alternatives design to assist in making conclusions and recommendations. Be sure to include costs for pumps, reservoirs, lines added to the network, installation costs, etc. Cite your sources for costs of specific items.
Writing Application:
A one page progress report detailing the results from the system performance operating under normal demand conditions, peak flow conditions and peak flow with fire demand will be due March 15th. For the final report (Due Thursday, April 7'h) a two-page maximum technical memo to introduce and summarize the situation, problems, assumptions and recommendations is required.
For the final report you must turn in the following:
1. All computational results tabulated for each network analysis as well as the economic analysis (provided in the Appendix)
2. A narrative statement in the appendix describing the pipe network analytical method (e.g., the software you used, overview of Hardy-Cross, frictional loss calculation methods).
3. A well-organized memo (2 page maximum) reporting your analysis and results.
Figure 1: Existing water distribution network with average daily demands for the city of hunigton.
| Pipe |
Length (feet) |
Diameter (inches) |
Pipe material |
| 1 |
122 |
6 |
Cast Iron |
| 1a |
122 |
6 |
Cast Iron |
| 2 |
291 |
4 |
Cast Iron |
| 3 |
1009 |
4 |
Cast Iron |
| 4 |
863 |
4 |
Cast Iron |
| 5 |
890 |
4 |
Cast Iron |
| 6 |
496 |
4 |
Cast Iron |
| 7 |
246 |
4 |
Cast Iron |
| 8 |
758 |
4 |
Cast Iron |
| 9 |
506 |
4 |
Cast Iron |
| 10 |
357 |
6 |
Cast Iron |
| 11 |
304 |
6 |
Cast Iron |
| 12 |
498 |
4 |
Cast Iron |
| 13 |
634 |
4 |
Cast Iron |
| 14 |
657 |
6 |
Cast Iron |
| 15 |
307 |
4 |
Cast Iron |
| 16 |
117 |
4 |
Cast Iron |
| 17 |
346 |
6 |
Cast Iron |
| 18 |
163 |
4 |
Cast Iron |
| 19 |
553 |
6 |
Cast Iron |
| 20 |
651 |
6 |
Cast Iron |
| 21 |
896 |
6 |
Cast Iron |
| 22 |
312 |
6 |
Cast Iron |
| 23 |
889 |
6 |
Cast Iron |
| 24 |
810 |
6 |
Cast Iron |
Figure 2: Pump Charcteristic curve for the pump highlighted in figure 1.
