The Next Generation Of Network Management And Leakage Detection Systems

Transcription

1 The Next Generation Of Network Management And Leakage Detection Systems 2016 AWWA Southwest Section Annual Conference Glyn Addicott - Hydraulic Analysis Group

2 Overview The USA and Europe are both facing a significant problem with an aging water supply infrastructure and there are major challenges which must be addressed to reduce pipeline leakage, bursts and operational risks. The Hydraulic Analysis Group have taken their knowledge in surge analysis and pipeline transient operation to develop the next generation of water distribution network management and leakage detection systems by using real time data to create real time transient simulators. This presentation discusses the Dubai water distribution network management and transient real time simulator which was installed and calibrated in 2015/2016 to identify leaks, extend pipeline life expectancy and reduce the risk of future bursts.

3 Hydraulic Analysis Group - Introduction Background: As the world s leading pipeline hydraulic and surge analysis organization, the Hydraulic Analysis Group have undertaken over 10,000 surge studies on pipelines and networks over the past 45 years. We also specialize in installing pipeline real time simulators and leak detection systems. Engineers: Our team is made up of 40+ engineers, situated in 4 office locations (US, UK, China and Indonesia). We operate in 50 countries and have in depth knowledge and experience of the operation of water pipelines and networks around the globe.

4 The Problem and the Solution The developed world is facing a significant problem with an aging infrastructure and the US is in a very similar position to Western Europe. The current approach to leak detection requires engineers to listen to pipes or to insert equipment into pipes. As network leaks are repaired and distribution systems tighten the systems are inherently more prone to bursts as there is less natural relief from pressure surges i.e. reducing leakage can potentially cause bursts. A different approach is being adopted in Dubai to identify leaks, extend pipeline life expectancy and reduce the risk of bursts and leaks. In this era of technology and the Internet of Things there is a clear need to better use data to identify leaks using a non-intrusive approach.

5 Real Time Modelling For many years Real Time Modeling has been difficult to achieve due to the lack of instrumentation and SCADA data. As the worldwide industry landscape has changed, the demand for available flow and pressure data has increased. Hydraulic Analysis have combined our expertise in pipeline analysis with our proven transient modeling software to develop a real time modeling capability using measurements that are increasingly available. Real time software must be capable of modeling rapid time steps to prevent errors and maintain accuracy. Water companies worldwide are installing real time systems and realizing the benefits of an evolving network model which fully supports their bespoke operational environment.

6 Hydraulic Analysis Real Time Systems

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8 Severe Pipeline Burst Pump On (Steady Pumping Pressure) Pump Off (Expected Pipeline Static Pressure) Sharp decline in both static head and pumping pressure indicates severe pipeline burst

9 Pipeline Burst Repeated Plugging Pump On (Steady Pumping Pressure) Static Pressure Occasionally Returns to Expected Level as Hole is Temporarily Plugged Pump Off (Expected Pipeline Static Pressure) Drop in static head indicates pipeline burst

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13 Asset Health We are currently undertaking a UK wide asset health review program on forcemains by undertaking site asset health checks and installing pipeline condition monitors to improve the asset health e.g. identifying and removing air locks in forcemains. For distribution networks, a similar asset health assessment and improvement program is required. Factors to assess include maximum / minimum operating pressures, surge pressures, sub-atmospheric pressures, areas of high headloss, anomalies, leakage, optimization of pressure control systems, energy saving and process optimization. A network management system can be used as a decision support tool for network control through what if modelling and event replay. Allows bursts to be rapidly identified to quickly understand what is happening and the extent of customers affected. The simulator can then be used offline to show the effectiveness of options to reconfigure the networks to provide alternative supplies etc. It is all about moving from a predominantly manual reactive operation and maintenance system to a proactive, predictive and automated performance system. This will improve customer experience, minimize costs and maximize performance.

14 Leak Detection on Transfer Pipelines For simple transfer pipelines, the simulator (and leak detection module), is driven by a combination of flows and pressures and uses the intersection of hydraulic gradients to identify leaks and bursts. This approach to leak detection does not necessarily require real time data. The information can be acquired from site by Hydraulic Analysis using portable flowmeters and pressure gauges for historical desk based analysis and leak detection.

15 Leak Detection in Distribution Networks While Hydraulic Analysis have a proven leak detection solution for transfer pipelines, the same approach is not viable on distribution networks due to consumer demand changes and also reticulation / circulation in the network. Networks are also often pressure managed with separate consumer demand areas off the main transfer mains. These demand areas are usually fed through 1 or 2 routes via a flowmeter and often a pressure control valve. We have developed an alternative methodology through the use of a real time simulator and pattern recognition. Real time models will show areas where leakage already exists by identifying discrepancies between the model and real time data.

16 Real Time Simulation of Water Networks What do we mean by Real Time Simulation A simulation that consistently calculates the transient hydraulic state of the pipeline or network (less than 10s intervals) A real time system will improve the understanding of network behaviour, help identify operational issues, predict future behavior and help optimize the operation. It will provide a greater physical understanding of the network, how it actually operates and why issues are occurring. It can then be used to identify and correct any issues.

17 Real Time Simulation of Water Networks Where does real time simulation fit into current systems A real time system allows integration of all available system data into a single clear format a calibrated hydraulic model of the network that gives a clear and unambiguous picture of the pipeline system in its current state. All facilities included tanks, pipes, pumps, valves and users. Breaks all barriers between non-infra (treatment / process) and infra (distribution). Clearly shows the flow entering the network from the works and how this will change in the future so existing and future treatment issues can be resolved. Next generation of network control and network management. Leakage and burst alerts. Addresses goal of utility companies in terms of using SMART data and reducing leakage. Staged implementation based upon current available data, even if existing data gathering rates are slow. Does not replace any existing systems but enhances and complements current SCADA and network management tools.

18 Real Time Simulation of Water Networks What is the benefit They drive an understanding of the network configuration. They provide an instant overview of the hydraulic behaviour of the network to help correct :- Over/under pressurization Non compliance of water quality standards They can quickly identify network anomalies for :- Reducing leakage levels Identifying blockages Identifying unexpected operations They can predict what will happen next if current conditions are maintained. They allow what-if considerations for current and future designs. They allow optimization (operational alternatives) to be considered against a set of objectives.

19 Real Time Simulation of Water Networks Is it really possible? Yes if there is sufficient instrumentation and telemetry infrastructure to support it It is successfully installed on the Dubai water network Is it accurate? Yes but it relies on :- The availability of instrumentation The accuracy of the configuration The accuracy of the instrumentation and any other factors that drive the simulation such as flow demand

20 Real Time Simulation of Water Networks Howdotheywork? SCADA connects via telemetry to obtain pressure, flow, level and chlorine levels etc. SCADA / data gathering process Pipeline Network with instrumentation Real Time simulator connects to SCADA via OPC Real Time Simulator Offline Simulator and Applications connects using the Real Time Simulator using message broker and file transfer Applications Offline Simulator and Predictive

21 Real Time Simulation of Water Networks What data is required? Network characteristics including pipe connectivity, lengths, diameters, wall thicknesses, pipe material and elevation profiles. Most of this data is often available from GIS databases or an EPANet model. Equipment characteristics for all operating equipment on the network A measurement value of flow or pressure (or tank level) at all boundary locations of the model. Distributed pressure measurements throughout the network If tracking is required, a measure of the tracked component at all inputs (such as chlorine) Equipment status indicators (pump on/off, valve open/closed etc.) All measurement data telemetered back to the real time model (usually via SCADA) on a cyclical update (ideally< 5s) Flow demand profiles which can be allocated per user type (domestic, municipal, industrial etc.)

22 Real Time Simulation of Water Networks What is the implementation procedure? Network data is imported into real time simulator from GIS or other packages such as EPANet. Equipment is added to the configuration. An OPC client is configured to obtain measurement data from an OPC server (usually within SCADA). The configuration includes data checking and replacement functions. Additional applications are configured which can include Leak detection Water Balancing Automated Forecaster Offline versions of the software are configured for engineering what if simulation and training simulation.

23 The Dubai Water Network Installed for the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority Real time transient hydraulic simulator Covers the complete water network down to 300mm pipework Over 7000 km of pipework modeled Includes all tank farms, pump stations and desalination plants Installed July 2015 with ongoing calibration process

24 The Dubai Water Network

25 The Dubai Water Network - Overview

26 The Dubai Water Network - Overview Updated from SAP

27 The Dubai Water Network Overlay on GIS

28 The Dubai Water Network Heat Map Heat maps are used for calibration and for highlighting abnormal operation on the network.

29 The Dubai Water Network Calibration

30 The Dubai Water Network Water Balancing Water Balancing Calculations use input from the model to calculate:- i. Water volume into a zone ii. Water volume out of a zone iii. Balance of water volumes within a zone iv. Water storage volumes including changes in storage volumes v. Water consumption reports

31 The Dubai Water Network Burst Detection Leak Detection Calculations detect leaks within areas bounded by flow measurement. Where the configuration allows, the leak location is calculated based on pressure profile calculations from the model. An additional method is currently being tested that automatically locates a leak within a network area (such as the one shown) based on pressure measurements.

32 The Dubai Water Network Forecasting / Predicting An offline model captures the current state of the network A forecaster is initiated automatically where it accelerates the calculations ahead of time based on :- Any predefined changes in equipment status (often no changes) Variable changes in supply and demand flows are permitted. The output is a report detailing any expected alarms and trends of flows and pressures at pre-defined locations. The offline model is used for surge analysis to highlight areas of overpressurization.

33 Conclusions As network leaks are repaired and distribution systems tighten the systems are more prone to bursts as there is less natural relief from pressure surges. The approach adopted in Dubai to identify leaks, extend pipeline life expectancy and reduce the risk of bursts / leaks is to commission a transient real time network management and leakage detection system. The network management system can be used as a decision support tool for network control through what if modelling and event replay. Allows bursts to be rapidly identified to quickly understand what is happening and the extent of customers affected. The simulator can then be used offline to show the effectiveness of options to reconfigure the networks to provide alternative supplies etc. It is all about moving from a predominantly manual reactive operation and maintenance system to a proactive, predictive and automated performance system. This will improve customer experience, minimize costs and maximize performance. A detailed understanding of the hydraulic and transient (surge) response of networks is critical to accurately calibrate real time models.

34 Questions?