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Indio Water Authority, CA
Implements Customized Hydraulic Model to
Drive Operational Efficiency
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The Challenge:
For years, Indio Water Authority’s (IWA) closed-loop system has experienced high pressure fluctuations throughout the network as a result of the high proportion of
industrial and commercial demands made the system highly demand sensitive.
In an effort to improve network operational efficiency, IWA required a customized hydraulic model integrated to IWA’s GIS that could provide engineers an effective
tool to compare with field studies.
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The Solution:
As IWA had a license limitation of 5,000 links, IDModeling systemically skeletonized the 20,000 pipe distribution system down to 5,000 links, while maintaining the same pipe
volume within 0.05%, thereby creating a hydraulically equivalent network. IDM also developed a special process of selective meter routing to precisely locate the industrial
and commercial demands and ensure that the effects of these large users were simulated appropriately in the model.
IDModeling built client confidence in the system by its proven QA/QC procedures and communicating frequently with IWA staff. Once the facility information –
such as pump head and flow, well water depth, VFD settings and system controls – were gathered, IDModeling used its steady state calibration suite of tools to link the
hydraulic model output directly to the Excel spreadsheets containing the field hydrant test data. This allowed rapid comparison between model output and field results across
all of the hydrant test locations. Changes to the model could be quickly analyzed to determine their effect in improving calibration accuracy.
Once the steady state model was calibrated, IDModeling developed diurnal curves to mimic system demand during the extended period simulation period. Finally, IDModeling's
specialized tools were used to link model output to extended period SCADA data, leveraging the power of the software to generate automatic comparisons of pumps flows and pressures
in addition to tank levels for every facility in the system. These powerful tools improved the speed and quality of the calibration process, reducing the potential for error and
allowing more time to devote to analysis of the distribution system.
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# # #
IDModeling is a specialty service company, uniquely qualified to deliver
hydraulic modeling solutions for both water/wastewater utilities and
engineering consulting firms. IDModeling focuses on hydraulic model
construction, development, calibration, analyses, and software or
system-specific training as stand-alone services or within the context
of master planning and operational studies. Bringing a customer-first
approach to projects, IDModeling has seen international receptiveness
and works with utilities and consultants to help satisfy SBE, MBE, and
DBE certifications. IDModeling can be reached at the contact
information below and may be visited at
www.idmodeling.com
Contact
Mr. Rajan Ray
rajanray@idmodeling.com
(401) 787-2040
Training Contact
training@idmodeling.com
Employment Contact
careers@idmodeling.com
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