Distribution network system

Distribution system is a network of pipes connected together at nodes. In general, the complex will also include pumps, reservoirs and valves. A node usually has one of the two main functions; it either receives a supply for the system or it delivers the demand required by consumers. As a special case, it may satisfy neither of these requirements but merely serve as a junction between two or more pipes. A good distribution system should satisfy the followings: Adequate water pressure at the consumer's taps for a specific rate of flow (i.e., pressures should be great enough to adequately meet consumer needs). Pressures should be great enough to adequately meet fire fighting needs. At the same time, pressures should not be excessive because development of the pressure head brings important cost consideration and as pressure increases leakages increases too. Note: In tower buildings, it is often necessary to provide booster pumps to elevate the water to upper floors. Purity of distributed water should be maintained. This requires distribution system to be completely water-tight. Maintenance of the distribution system should be easy and economical. Water should remain available during breakdown periods of pipeline. System of distribution should not such that if one pipe bursts, it puts a large area without water. If a particular pipe length is under repair and has been shut down, the water to the population living in the down-stream side of this pipeline should be available from other pipeline.

 During repairs, it should not cause any obstruction to traffic. In other words, the pipelines should not be laid under highways, carriage ways but below foot paths. There are two types of distribution network system (branching & loop system) and we compared the two systems based on the above criterias in which a good distribution system should satisfy. Therefore we tried to select the better system which is suitable with our actual condition. Comparisons In a grid system in case of repair or break down in a pipe, the area connected to that pipe will continue to receive water as water will flow to that area from the other side which is one of criterias of good distribution system and it is not practical in branching system where the water distribute from one direction. Grid system usually provide better residual chlorine due to inline mixing and fewer dead ends which will improve the quality (criteria of good distribution system) of the water to be supplied but in the case of branching this quality may decrease because of sedimentation of chlorine in the dead ends. Bacterial growth which may occur in the points of dead ends due to sediments accumulation as a result of stagnation, this problem is frequent in branching systems but in the case of grid system the probability of this case is low. In grid at the time of fire, by manipulating cut off valves plenty of water may be diverted and concentrated for fire fighting, which is not practical in branching system.

 In branching system velocities are faster, head losses are greater and capacity reduced especially during high demand time but in grid system fluid velocities are lower, reducing head losses resulting in greater capacity. In branching system analysis is very simple and the required dimensions of pipe are economical. As we have seen from the above comparison criterias most of them points towards the grid system in satisfying the criterias of good distribution system. Except that branching system is economical but this advantage works for rural areas where there is logistical problem and unaffordablity of cost which is not useful in our case. Therefore we chose grid system.