InfoWater UDF – Pipe Cleaning and Maintenance Program for Water Distribution Systems
From MWH Soft news release:
MWH Soft announced the final phase of development of InfoWater UDF, a geocentric solution for unidirectional flushing of drinking water distribution systems. InfoWater UDF delivers power and flexibility in managing the systematic flushing of water distribution systems to remove stagnant water along with mineral and sediment deposits that have accumulated over time – restoring hydraulic capacity.
A pipe’s hydraulic carrying capacity will deteriorate with age, depending on the corrosive nature of the water and surrounding soils. Deposits may be formed on the pipe walls by precipitation, microbiological activity and corrosion. These accumulations increase hydraulic roughness and reduce the cross-sectional area and hydraulic carrying capacity of the mains. A loss in carrying capacity can lead to low pressures and inability to deliver fire flows, especially during high demand periods. Slow-moving water can also result in a loss of chlorine residuals at stagnant spots, creating a public health risk. Problems associated with water quality degradation are particularly acute in dead-end lines and low-demand portions of water distribution systems.
Unidirectional flushing (UDF) is the most effective way to clean water mains and maintain water quality and system capacity. It also requires the least amount of water of any cleaning method. UDF involves the closure of valves and opening of hydrants to create a one-way flow in the water mains that removes built-up sediment. This type of high-speed flushing (5 to 6 ft/sec) increases the swiftness of the water in the mains, maximizing the shear velocity near the pipe wall. This produces a scouring action in the mains, effectively removing sediment deposits and biofilm. Among its numerous benefits, UDF can help improve water quality by restoring the disinfectant residual, reducing bacterial regrowth, dislodging biofilms, removing sediments and deposits, controlling corrosion, restoring flows and pressures, eliminating taste and odor problems, and reducing disinfectant demand throughout the system. These benefits prolong the life expectancy of the distribution system and reduce the potential for waterborne disease outbreaks.
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