Analysis of diffusion and dispersion processes in water distribution networks through the use of the Péclet number threshold. Issue 1 (1st January 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Piazza, Stefania; Sambito, Mariacrocetta; Freni, Gabriele
• Is Part Of: IOP conference series. Volume 1136:Issue 1(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-01-01
• Subjects: Earth sciences -- Periodicals; Environmental sciences -- Congresses; Environmental sciences -- Periodicals; 550.5
• DOI: 10.1088/1755-1315/1136/1/012049
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1755-1307

Abstract

Abstract: To model the water quality within the distribution networks, simplified models are used (such as EPANET), which use an advective-reactive approach and neglect relevant phenomena, such as diffusion and dispersion, for low values of the Reynolds number. Although valid in the presence of a purely turbulent flow regime, as they do not produce substantial modelling errors, these simplifications are not applicable equally to all distribution networks. Therefore, the present study defines a threshold of the Péclet number, which relates the effectiveness of mass transport by advection with the effectiveness of mass transport by dispersion or diffusion, in order to establish a priori the behaviour of the water distribution network and find the most suitable model to use. The numerical analysis was applied to a real case study (network of Oreto-Stazione) using EPANET advective model and EPANET-DDR (Dynamic-Dispersion-Reaction) model, developed by the authors.