THEREOF

The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[001] The embodiments herein generally relate to water distribution system and more particularly, to a method of providing a zonal storage water supply system with hydraulic isolation structures for a water distribution network.

BACKGROUND

[002] Fresh water is an essential resource for maintaining a livable environment. In both the developing and the developed countries, access to fresh water is necessary to maintain living standards and allow an area to be populated. In the developed countries, most have become accustomed to ready access to fresh, potable water that is supplied directly into their homes through pressurized pipes to meet their daily needs. However, in developing countries fresh water sources through pressurized pipes are unavailable for all time period or the fresh water is supplied only for certain period of time by the government authorities (or municipal), which leads to over storage of water amongst the consumers/population.

[003] One of the main reasons for not being able to achieve a continuous water supply in developing countries is that the pressurized pipes schemes are not operated as designed, i.e., there exists a gap between the demand pattern considered for the design and the one that gets applied during the operation (Abu-Madi and Trifunovic, 2013; Klingel and Nestmann, 2014). Operators tend to divide the systems into small zones and try to smoothen the resistances of consumers by increasing the pressure in the systems by creating entire diversions of flow to a particular area. This is true even for the initial stages, when the scheme component sizes are oversized and the demands are comparatively lower than the ultimate design capacities. An inevitable result of such an operation is that the consumers do not get accustomed to a 24x7 water supply and tend to consume more (than the desired as per the norms) in the available water supply hours, unknowingly. Consumers try to store water in their storage systems and consume water during non-supply hours. Such an intermittent water supply (IWS) is prevalent globally in developing countries, owing to similar circumstances such as poor system operation, unplanned expansion of the network, unskilled workforce, and interrupted electricity supply (Klingel 2012; Galaitsi et ah, 2016; Simukonda et ah, 2018).

[004] In addition to the unscientific expansion of the network, uncontrolled withdrawal from the system deteriorates the performance of water distribution systems. Most of the consumers in India do not have taps and/or meters and store the water as much as supplied. Typically, water distribution systems in India are designed for 30 years. Hence, during the first year of operation of the scheme, the commissioned pipe diameters in the water distribution systems are larger for the initial phase of the water distribution systems. Hence, there are chances that the pipe will not be running full (i.e., open channel flow may persist, or there may be standing water column condition). This creates uncontrolled withdrawal from the network, and its effect can be profoundly seen at the storage/service tanks.

[005] Due to over withdrawal from the system, after initial supply hours, the outflow from the storage tanks surpasses the inflow to the tank, resulting in lowering of the Hydraulic Grade Line (HGL) below the Low Supply Level (LSL) of the storage tank. This creates unequal water supply in the distribution system leading to consumer dissatisfaction ultimately resulting in loss of revenue.

[006] To overcome excess withdrawal various methods are suggested in past such use of orifice plates as head dissipating intervention (Bhave and Gupta, 2000) and recently Kalbar and Gokhale (2019) proposed decentralized infrastructure approach along with head dissipating interventions such as shafts, manifolds, masterpiece. However, there is no knowledge exist on how to make use of these interventions in suitable combinations in the water distribution systems.

[007] Therefore, there exists a need for a method of providing a zonal storage water supply system with hydraulic isolation structures for a water distribution network, which obviates the aforementioned drawbacks.

OBJECTS

[008] The principal object of an embodiment herein is to provide a method of providing a zonal storage water supply system having a plurality of hydraulic isolation structures for a water distribution network.

[009] Another object of an embodiment herein is to provide the method of providing the zonal storage water supply system for any type of water distribution network such as pumped or gravity operated, branched network or loop or grid network.

[0010] Another object of an embodiment herein is to provide the method of providing the zonal storage water supply system which automatically negotiates with undulations and relating reduction of hydraulic grade line (HGL).

[0011] Another object of an embodiment herein is to provide the method of providing the zonal storage water supply system in which the HGL in the water distribution network is automatically stabilized based on a downstream demand. [0012] Another object of an embodiment herein is to provide the method of providing the zonal storage water supply system which reduces the requirement of several valve operations.

[0013] Another object of an embodiment herein is to provide a method of providing the zonal storage water supply system which improves residual pressures in the intermittent water supply and also help in achieving continuous water supply across the water distribution network.

[0014] These and other objects of the embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0015] The embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, throughout which like reference letters indicate corresponding parts in the various figures. The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following description with reference to the drawings, in which:

[0016] Fig. 1 depicts a schematic view of conventional water distribution network, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;

[0017] Fig. 2 depicts a schematic view of a zonal storage water supply system having a plurality of hydraulic isolation structures for a water distribution network, according to embodiments as disclosed herein; [0018] Fig. 3 depicts a schematic view of a hydraulic isolation structures, according to embodiments as disclosed herein; and

[0019] Fig. 4 a flowchart indicating a method of providing zonal storage water supply system for a water distribution network, according to embodiments as disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well- known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.

[0021] The embodiments herein achieve a method of providing a zonal storage water supply system having a plurality of hydraulic isolation structures for a water distribution network. The method is applicable for any kind of water supply distribution network such as pumped or gravity operated, branched network or loop or grid network. Further, the embodiments herein achieve the method of providing the zonal storage water supply system which automatically negotiates with undulations and relating reduction of hydraulic grade line (HGL). Furthermore, the embodiments herein achieve the method of providing the zonal storage water supply system in which the HGL in the water distribution network is automatically stabilized based on a downstream demand. Moreover, the embodiments herein achieve the method of providing the zonal storage water supply system which reduces the requirement of several valve operations, improves residual pressures in the intermittent water supply and achieves continuous water supply. Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to Figs. 2 through 4, where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown embodiments. [0022] Fig. 1 depicts a schematic view of conventional water distribution network, according to embodiments as disclosed herein. The conventional water distribution network typically includes a main tank (elevated or ground based) in which water is stored. The water from the main tank is distributed to consumers or (users) through a main pipe line and its branch pipes. The main pipe and the branch pipes include plurality of valves V as shown in fig. 1. In conventional method, an operator tends to divide the water distribution systems into small zones and try to smoothen the resistance of the consumers by increasing the pressure in the systems by creating entire diversions of flow to a particular area. This is true even for the initial stages, when the scheme component sizes are oversized and the demands are comparatively lower than the ultimate design capacities. An inevitable result of such an operation is that the consumers do not get accustomed to the continuous (i.e. 24x7) water supply and tend to consume more in the available water supply hours, unknowingly. The consumers tend to store water in their storage systems and consume the stored water during non-supply hours. Thus, resulting in over usage of the water.

[0023] For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the method (400) is explained herein below with reference to the method of providing the zonal storage water supply system for the water distribution network. However, it is also within the scope of this invention to practice/implement the entire steps of the method (400) in a same manner or in a different manner or with omission of at least one step to the method (400) or with any addition of at least one step to the method (400) of without otherwise deterring the intended function of the method (400) as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings. Fig. 2 depicts a schematic view of a zonal storage water supply system having a plurality of hydraulic isolation structures for a water distribution network, according to embodiments as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the zonal storage water supply system (100) for the water distribution network includes an elevated water reservoir (102) or a pump, a main water supply line (104), a plurality of first water distribution pipes (106), one or more hydraulic isolation structures (108) (such as shaft, break pressure tank/tow er, standpipe, water tower) at least one inlet (110) (as shown in Fig. 3), one or more outlets (112) (as shown in Fig. 3), one or more second water distribution pipes (114), at least one first valve, and at least one second valve.

[0024] The zonal storage water supply system (100) for the water distribution network includes the elevated water reservoir (102) which is configured to store the water at a predetermined height above a ground level. In an alternate embodiment, a pump may be used to supply the water from a ground based storage tank. The water supply for a plurality of predetermined zones initiates from the elevated water reservoir (102). The elevated water reservoir (102) stores the water at a predetermined pressure which causes the water to flow with a predetermined pressure downstream when a gate valve (not shown) associated with the reservoir is opened. Further, the equitable water supply system (100) for the water distribution network includes the main water supply line (104) which is provided in fluid communication with an outlet (not shown) of the elevated water reservoir (102). The main water supply line (104) extends for a predetermined length based on a water supply sub-zones.

[0025] Further, the zonal storage water supply system (100) for the water distribution network includes the plurality of first water distribution pipes (106) which are connected to the main water supply line (104) at predetermined locations. In an embodiment, the predetermined locations are defined based on the water supply sub zones. The first water distribution pipes (106) are installed such that it extends between the main water supply line (104) and each of the sub-zones. In an embodiment, the first water distribution pipe (106) includes a diameter which is smaller (or equal) than a diameter of the main water supply line (104), however in field while actual implementation diameters may vary in any order and does not have any bearing on the working of embodiment.

[0026] Fig. 3 depicts a schematic view of a hydraulic isolation structure, according to embodiments as disclosed herein. The zonal storage water supply system (100) for the water distribution network further includes the one or more hydraulic isolation structures (108) which are located at each of the zones or sub-zones. The one or more hydraulic isolation structures (108) are provided at each water supply sub-zones based on a size of a downstream cluster which is configured to receive water from the elevated water reservoir (102) of the water distribution network. In an embodiment, the hydraulic isolation structures (108) include a first vertical pipe (116), an annular second vertical pipe (118) and a cap (120). The first vertical pipe (116) includes a first predetermined height HI and a first predetermined diameter Dl. The second vertical pipe (118) is disposed concentrically to the first vertical pipe (116). The second vertical pipe (118) includes a second predetermined height H2 and a second predetermined diameter D2. In an embodiment, the second predetermined height H2 is more than the first predetermined HI and the second predetermined diameter D2 is more than the first predetermined diameter Dl. Further, the cap (120) is connected to a top portion of the hydraulic isolation structure (108). The cap (120) is mounted to the hydraulic isolation structure (108) such that the top portion communicates with atmosphere thereby defining a breathing area for the hydraulic isolation structure (108). In an embodiment, the cap (120) is an umbrella shaped hat which also protects any outside water contamination. However, it is also within the scope of this invention to provide any shape for the cap without otherwise deterring the intended function of the method (400) as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings. Furthermore, the first vertical pipe (116) includes a bottom portion which is connected to the first water distribution pipe (106). In an embodiment, the bottom portion of the first vertical pipe (116) is fabricated to include an inlet (110). The inlet (110) is fabricated such that it receives an outlet portion of the first water distribution pipe (106). The second vertical pipe (118) includes a bottom portion which is connected to the one or more second water distribution pipes (114). The bottom portion of the second vertical pipe (118) is fabricated to include one or more outlets (112). The one or more outlets (112) are further connected to inlet portion (not shown) of each second water distribution pipe (114). The water from the storage tank or the pump (102) flows through the first vertical pipe (116) filling the first vertical pipe (116), and overflows from the first vertical (116) pipe with a predetermined jet velocity dissipating an available excess head (pressure) to the second vertical pipe (118) after filling the first vertical pipe (116) completely. The water from the second vertical pipe (118) flows through the outlets (112) to one or more second water distribution pipes (114) downstream. The water from the one or more second water distribution pipes (114) is supplied to the consumers in a suitable manner. Thus the hydraulic grade line (HGL) in the hydraulic isolation structure (108) is automatically stabilized based on a downstream demand which facilitate in equitable water supply.

[0027] Further, the zonal storage water supply system (100) for the water distribution network further may include the at least one first valve (not shown) and one or more second valve (not shown) which are connected towards the inlet (110) and outlets of the one or more hydraulic isolation structures (108), respectively. The first valve and the second valve are configured to one of limit and permit water-flow into and flow out of corresponding hydraulic isolation structure (108). In an embodiment, the first valve and the second valve are selected from a group consisting of a stop valve, a gate valve, a ball valve, a check valve, a control valve and the combination thereof. However, it is also within the scope of this invention to practice/implement the valve in a same manner or in a different manner or with omit usage of the valve in the zonal storage water supply system (100) without otherwise deterring the intended function of the method (400) as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings.

[0028] Furthermore, the zonal storage water supply system (100) for the water distribution network may include one or more pumps (not shown) in fluid communication with water supply line (104) depending on the topography (for example, when the storage tank is located on the ground or below ground). The pump is configured to pump water from the water reservoir to the hydraulic isolation structure (108), when the predetermined pressure of the water stored in the reservoir is not sufficient for transmitting water to the hydraulic isolation structures (108). However, it is also within the scope of this invention to practice/implement the pump in a same manner or in a different manner or with omit usage of the pump in the zonal storage water supply system (100) without otherwise deterring the intended function of the method (400) as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings.

[0029] The zonal storage water supply system (100) for the water distribution network further may include a controller (not shown) for avoiding manual operations or achieving precise control. The controller is configured to automatically control operations of the first valve and the second valve, by selectively opening and closing the valves and the switching on and off the pump (if present), under pre-determined conditions for a routine water supply. In an embodiment, the first valve and the second valve (and the pump if present) may be connected with corresponding sensors to indicate a state or a condition of the corresponding valve and pump. In an alternate embodiment, the first valve, the second valve and the pump (if present) are operated manually.

[0030] The zonal storage water supply system (100) may also include a plurality of energy dissipating interventions (also referred to as head dissipating devices in this description) (not shown) such as orifice plates, manifolds and masterpieces for achieving equitable pressure in the water distribution system. Further, in an embodiment, other automated/manual pressure/flow regulating valves (not shown) may be used depending upon a site condition. The locations and sizes of these interventions may be determined by studying hydraulic models and field observations of pressures and flow. However, it is also within the scope of this invention to practice/implement the head dissipating devices in a same manner or in a different manner or with omit usage of the head dissipating devices in the zonal storage water supply system (100) without otherwise deterring the intended function of the method (400) as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings.

[0031] Fig. 4 a flowchart indicating a method of providing zonal storage water supply system for a water distribution network, according to embodiments as disclosed herein. The method (400) includes positioning, at least one hydraulic isolation structure (108) corresponding to each water supply sub-zone in said water distribution network (At step 402). Further, the method (400) includes providing a main water supply line (104) in fluid communication with each said hydraulic isolation structures (108) (At step 404). Moreover, the method (400) includes segregating, each said water supply sub-zone by calculating water consumption downstream of said hydraulic isolation structure (108) (At step 406). Additionally, the method (400) includes supplying water to each said sub-zone via said hydraulic isolation structures (108) (At step 408). Further, the method (400) also includes maintaining a homogenous consumption within each water supply zones (At step 410). However, the method (400) described herein is only of indicative in nature and steps proposed can be iterative and sequence can be changed based on given location or based on retrofitting/revamping existing distribution system or new green-field water distribution.

[0032] The method (400) further includes a step of finalizing the dimensions of the hydraulic isolation structures (108), the main water supply line (104), the first water distribution pipe (106) and the second water distribution pipe (114), based on consumer demand and residual pressure requirements of corresponding said water supply sub-zones. Furthermore, the method (400) includes checking performance of said hydraulic isolation structures (108) using hydraulic simulation and field observations of pipe flows and pressures at various locations across the distribution network and sample household connections. Also, the method (400) includes providing a plurality of head dissipating devices, at predetermined locations in said water distribution network.

[0033] The technical advantages achieved by the embodiments herein include equitable water distribution across the water distribution network, automatic negotiation with undulations and relating reduction of hydraulic grade line (HGL), reduction in the requirement of several valve operations, reduction in wear and tear of the system, and reduction in water losses in the system.

[0034] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications. Such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and therefore such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.