Successful Projects Demonstrate the Benefits of Surge Model Calibration
Authors:
- Crystal Broadbent, Bo Copeland, and Michael Wang - Hazen and Sawyer
Surge modeling has become a routine part of designing new pump stations and is also being used to evaluate existing pumping systems—particularly, where transient pressure events have occurred and resulted in damage to pump stations, pipelines, and/or other infrastructure. However, in many cases, surge models are not calibrated adequately. They may be calibrated for hydraulic applications, but not for transient analysis.
Through review of three recent projects, this presentation will demonstrate the benefits of calibrating surge models for transient analysis purposes. Understanding the benefits of a well-calibrated surge model will allow attendees to make more informed decisions and optimize surge protection designs, thereby minimizing overall cost for utility owners while providing confidence that their infrastructure is protected.
Projects to be discussed include:
1. SD1’s (Northern Kentucky) Lakeview Pump Station Surge Improvements at a 21 MGD pump station with a 3-mile-long, 30” force main that operates at pressures up to 210 psi.
2. Rockville, Maryland, High Service Pump Station, which has a capacity of 10 MGD and pumps through a 6-mile-long, 24” transmission main that operates at pressures up to 190 psi.
3. Clermont County’s 15 MGD P.U.B. WTP high service pump station that pumps through three parallel, 2-mile-long transmission mains operating at pressures up to 190 psi.
Each of these projects used field data from actual transient events to calibrate the respective surge model. Digital transient monitoring gauges were used to record transient data during the induced surge events. This field data was then compared to the modeled data, which confirmed that the model was able to replicate the field measurements.
Construction of successful surge improvements has already been completed for the first two projects. Pre- and post-construction field data will be presented in comparison to model-predicted data to support the claims of this presentation. These projects demonstrate successful approaches and testify to the value of calibrating surge models for the evaluation of existing pumping systems.
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