10/7/2021 Pressure Management in Water Distribution Networks

DTK Hydronet Solutions Apr 5, 2020 6 min read

Pressure Management in Water Distribution

Networks

A Water Distribution Network (WDN) is an essential infrastructure, meant to supply indigenous, fresh water within
boundaries of a city or designated area. A distribution system that supplies drinking water from the points of
supply, to the points of consumption, consists of pipelines, valves, tanks, pumps etc. and supplies water to
consumers, under certain hydraulic conditions that are often difficult to control mainly due to constant growth of
urban population. The purpose of the WDN is to provide water to the consumers, not only of adequate quantity
and optimal pressure but also of the quality in compliance with local regulations. However, smooth running of
large-scale water supply networks is still a major engineering challenge due to many factors affecting such as:

The topographic complexity of the network

Complexity of the network connections

Different functional regulatory systems

Temporal and spatial variations in water demand

The friction between water and the internal wall of the pipelines

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The existence of Non-Revenue Water in high percentages

Significant portion of the treated water is lost and does not reach the end user. Leakage is one of the reasons of
water loss and comprises of physical losses from pipes, joints and fittings. Overflows from service reservoirs also
adds to the losses. Quantity of the leakage depends on water pressure, pipe age, the standard of fittings, the
type of the soil around the pipe etc. Theoretically, water leakage from the distribution network occurs, when the
residual resistance of the pipe cannot bear the impact of the water pressure. Therefore, approaches towards
water leakage control can basically be classified into two categories, improving pipe resistance and reducing
water pressure.

Pressurized Water Transmission Main

The WDN is meant to deliver adequate water to the consumers, with the minimum acceptable pressure
throughout the operation time. Increase in the leakages are often observed during the off-peak hours, when the
consumer demands are lower and system pressure tends to be higher. Water utilities must continuously make
efforts in order to reduce the inevitable water losses through leaking pipes in the WDN by maintaining the
pressure as per requirements. Water loss not only affects the revenue generation of water utility providers, but
also results in wastage of an outsized amount of energy required to treat raw water and distribute potable water.
It is not an easy task and requires the development of a proactive leakage detection technique as well as speedy
repairs of leaky pipes.

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In WDNs, leakage outflows are sensitive to pressure in the pipe. Minimization of excessive pressure is performed
using a system of the Pressure Reducing Valves (PRVs), Throttle Control Valves (TCVs), Flow Control Valves
(FCVs) and using Variable Speed Pumps (VSPs). These valves are variable closure devices that allows water to
flow through it until a set pressure is achieved downstream. PRVs are often controlled with different approaches
like hydraulic or electronic controllers. Electronic controllers are often used perfectly in supervisory control and
data acquisition (SCADA) systems, consistent with the momentary operation conditions. VSPs are pumps with
Variable Speed Drive (VSD). The VSD regulates the rotational speed of the pump’s motor by changing the
frequency of the input power. Changing the speed of the electric motor can change the hydraulic performance of
the pump (such as power consumption, outlet flow, and pressure).

Pressurized Functional Household Tap Connection (FHTC)

Another approach is dividing the WDN in different operational zones, called District Metered Areas (DMAs) or
Pressure Managed Areas (PMAs) which can be independently monitored and managed. The water pressure in
these areas is regulated by installing network elements such as control valves at the entry point of the zone(s).

Factors Affecting Pressure in Water Distribution System

1. Inlet Pressure: Higher inlet pressure is always considered to be conducive to improve the outlet
pressure, reducing the pressure drop along the pipeline.
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2. Flow Rate: As the flow rate increases, pressure also increases.

3. Transport Distance: The outlet pressure of the pipeline gradually decreases as the transport distance
increases.

4. Roughness of Pipe: Under certain inlet pressure conditions, the pressure drop in pipe increases with the
rise in pipe wall roughness.

Illustration of District Metered Areas (DMAs)

Pressure Management

Water pressure regulations in pipes are proven to be an important tool, for long term reduction of losses in
WDNs. Therefore presence of pressure management schemes is an important aspect of water networks. In most
networks, active pressure control for loss minimisation, through the reduction of excess water pressure is
essential. There are a number of methods for regulating pressure in the WDNs. These include the use of variable
speed pump controllers and application of the concept of DMAs/ PMAs. Several control valves can be used
either to control the water pressure or flow at some specific points in the networks. These control valves include,
but are not limited to:

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Pressure Reducing Valves (PRVs), used to limit the pressure in the pipe links

Pressure Sustaining Valves (PSVs) , used to maintain pressure at a specific value

Pressure Controlling Valves (PCVs) , used to control the pressure in a specific zone in the water networks

Pressure Breaker Valves (PBVs) which is used to force a specified pressure loss across the pipeline.

Typical Arrangement for Pressure Managed Areas (PMAs)

Methods of controlling Pressure

1. Fixed outlet pressure control

It typically employs a PRV, with no additional

equipment. It is the most straightforward way of
pressure management. PRVs are easy to install,
operate and maintain. However, most PRVs lack the
pliability to regulate water pressures at different times
of day. Excessive pressure in pipes downstream of
the PRV, increase the prospect of leakage or
breakage if pressures are not decreased when
necessary. This results in water loss, potential
contamination and expenditures associated with
repairing leaks and breaks.

2. Time Modulated Pressure Control (TMPC)

The TMPC approach offers a greater flexibility of

pressure adjustments at specific times of the day
achieved with the help of the controller. The controller
BERMAD 700 SIGMA EN/ES series PRV (Courtesy:
is a low cost type and relatively easy to set up. A
Bermad Valves, www.bermad.com)
notable limitation of TMPC is that of its poor response
to water demand requirements, such as the demand

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for firefighting. During the firefighting demand period, full pressure is usually required to tackle fire
outbreak. Higher level of expertise is required to operate and maintain the installation of the devices
used in this approach compared to the fixed outlet pressure control approach.

3. Flow Modulated Pressure Control (FMPC)

It provides greater control and adaptability than time-modulated pressure control. This method uses an
electronic controller which interacts with a properly-sized meter and PRV to make sure adequate water
pressure within the event of needed fire flow. The increased flexibility of flow modulated pressure control,
offers more savings than fixed outlet and time-modulated control methods. These savings could also be
counterbalanced by the increased equipment expense related to the electronic controller and properly-
sized meter.

4. Closed Loop Pressure Control (CLPC)

In this type, pressure control is achieved by adjusting the settings of the PRVs based on the pressure at
critical point(s) in the PMAs. In this technique, a pressure sensor, placed at the critical point(s) of the
network is used to provide live data to the pressure controller at the inlet of the PMAs. This pressure
control technique is more complex and expensive, but its potential for maximizing the benefit of the
pressure management cannot be overlooked. It provides the ultimate level of control but the major
disadvantage is that there is a greater opportunity for equipment to fail using this technique.

5. Parameter-less Pressure Controller

It is another efficient controller to adjust the pressure; which is based on the flow in a pressure control
valve (PCV) and is easy to implement. This method has advantages over the fixed outlet and time
modulated pressure control approach. In this method, the controller used is easy to set up and has the
capability to respond to changing water demand conditions.

6. Optimisation Approach

Optimisation is a powerful tool used to achieve optimal opening adjustment and settings of the PRVs and
PCVs. The optimal location as well as the opening adjustment of these valves is vital for effective
pressure regulation. Artificial Neural Networks and Genetic Algorithm optimisation technique has been
used to develop a model for reducing pressure in urban WDNs. It was observed that the network
leakage can be reduced by more than 30%.

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Comparative Statement of Performance Analysis of Pressure Management Approaches

Benefits of controlling pressure in Water Distribution Networks

It reduces surges and excess pressure

Lowers pipe failure rate

Extends pipe service lives

Improves water distribution management

Lowers water loss through leaking pipes

Saves water and energy cost

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PMAs Analysis in Hydraulic Model of WDN

Water loss through leaking pipes, have been a major threat to water utilities around the world. It is a general
agreement that reducing pressure will reduce the leakage flow rate as well as the possibility of pipe burst.
Frequent variations in pressure, are associated with higher frequency of new leaks. There is no doubt that
pressure management is a fundamental tool in any leakage management strategy. Several pressure
management strategies are available for leakage reduction in water distribution systems. The operational
performance of the parameter less controller, as well as the optimisation approach gives an edge above other
pressure control strategies.

With recent advancements in technology, which led to the development of electronic and hydraulic controllers
coupled with PRVs and a probable combination of both approaches, that is optimisation and parameter less
controller, could be best suited for pressure reduction in smart water networks.

©Copyright DTK Hydronet Solutions, 2020

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