FA18-CVE-070: Water Supply Network Simulation using EPANET Software

This presentation, created by Haseeb Ullah Khan (FA18-CVE-070), provides a comprehensive overview of water supply network simulation and distribution using EPANET software. It begins by explaining the necessity of water supply simulations and the factors to consider before, during, and after simulation. The presentation then introduces EPANET, its capabilities in modeling hydraulic and water quality behavior within pressurized pipe networks, and its limitations. It details essential parameters such as elevation, pressure, velocity, and water demand, along with key principles like the equation of continuity and friction loss formulas (Darcy-Weisbach and Hazen-Williams). The presentation also covers the components of a water network including junctions, reservoirs, tanks, pipes, pumps, and valves. Design considerations for branched and looped networks are also discussed. The presentation concludes with a practical example, demonstrating how to develop a simple water supply network in EPANET, including the input of necessary data like borehole yield, pump performance, and demand information. It guides users through the process of drawing the network, setting parameters, and running analyses, providing insights into the design of a water distribution system.

Haseeb Ullah khan {FA18-CVE-070}
Water supply network
and distribution using
Epnet software.

Objective of this presentation.
- Understand why it is necessary to make a
water supply simulation
- What to consider before, while and during the
simulation
- How the software works, without becoming an
expert

What is Epanet
• EPANET is a computer program that performs extended
period simulation of hydraulic and water quality behavior
within pressurized pipe networks.
• It reproduces the behavior of a network in order to carry
out tests and find solutions.
• It makes a mathematical representation of the
relationships among its components. It runs trials on “wh
would happen if…”
Introduction to Epanet

Before starting with Epanet
When shall we build a network?
• Concentrated population
• Population has social cohesion
• The water source can be exploited in a
sustainable way

Before starting with Epanet
When shall we build a network?
• It should not create
environmental problems
(stagnant water, drainage
• Topography should allow the
project (cost, pumping, flat
area)
• Consider the context Urban
developed countries vs rural
developing country

Before starting with Epanet
Why should we calculate network?
• Networks that aren’t designed properly
devalue the work and effort of communities
(and donors/Authorities) that are asked to
collaborated
• They are dangerous. The emptying and filling of
pipes due to lack of pressure sucks pathogens
into the interiors of the pipes, facilitating
contamination of the pipes, therefore disease
proliferation.
• They are fragile. Depressurized networks get full
of air. When they are filled with water, the air
needs to be evacuated => Risk of water
hammer (destroy pipes, creates cracks and
leaks)
• The network might not be extendable
• The selected material / size might not be the
economical solution

Before starting with Epanet
What Epanet can do
• Determining what pipes with which diameters should be used
• Determine what improvements and /or extensions the network needs
• Determine where to install the tanks, valves and pumps
• Dimensioning of tanks
• Pumps selection
• Studying chlorine’s behaviour and the necessity to establish secondary
chlorination points.
• Estimation of energy consumption for pumps
• Simulation of the behaviour of different element, such as pressure reducing
valves, pressure sustaining valves

Before starting with Epanet
What Epanet can NOT do
• Epanet assumes the quasi-equilibrium condition. It can no
simulate abrupt changes in the network (i.e. energy failure
at pumping station, water hammer, sudden shutting of a
non return valve, pipe bursting, etc.
• Evaluate the consequences for the presence of air inside
the network
• With Epanet is not possible to simulate open channels
(river, sewer)
(SWMM :Storm Water Management Model)

Essential parameters of a network
Pressure
• Beneficiaries receive water at every water
point
Program Epanet
Velocity (of water in the pipe)
• Big vs small pipe (expensive vs high
operational cost)
Elevation
• The elevation of the single elements of a
network are essential parameters
Water demand
• How much water is requested at the water
points?
Water availability
• How much water is available at the source ?
Component of the network
• Type of pipes, pumps, reservoirs, valves,
tanks

Essential principles for a water network
Program Epanet
1. Equation of continuity
Q = v / A = const
● v = velocity m / s
● Q = flow m³ / s
● A = Pipe section transversal m²
Small diameter, high velocityBig diameter, low velocity

Program Epanet
2. Friction loss along pipes
Energy is dissipated due to friction of water (particle)
Essential principles for a water network
The Darcy-Weisbach formula is the
most theoretically correct. It applies
over all flow regimes and to all liquids.
The Hazen-Williams formula is the most
commonly used headloss formula in
the US.
It cannot be used for liquids other than
water and was originally developed for
turbulent flow only.
The Chezy-Manning formula is more
commonly used for open channel flow.
Chezy-Manning
Darcy-Weisbach
Hazen-Williams
= v*

Program Epanet
2. Friction loss along pipes
0.25908
0.3048 – 3.048
0.01524
0.001524
0.04572
0
Essential principles for a water network
Darcy-Weisbach
(mm)