DigiLab Software workshop: drinking water distribution tools

During the workshop, a range of tools were presented that have been developed at KWR over the past decade: WTM+, CAVLAR, Comsima and Aquarellus. WTM+ is a tool that can be used to calculate the temperature increase of drinking water in the mains network. CAVLAR allows for the analysis of valve sections and the assessment of risks for asset management. Comsima is a tool for calculating the stresses on a pipe and to assess how close it is to failure. Aquarellus was developed to simulate particle transport in mains networks in order to study where and how the particulate material accumulates. It was designed to help draw up cleaning programmes (flushing plans) and for research into the design of self-cleaning pipes. The various researchers presented the tools in the morning. The interactive part of the workshop was after lunch: the participants themselves worked with the tools.

The session clearly demonstrated the potential value of the tools. One participant said: “We’re always told that KWR has a wealth of knowledge that we should make better use of, and today I realised that’s actually true.” And so the workshop achieved the main aim with flying colours: one of the primary Digilab objectives is to ensure that research findings find more fertile ground in the day-to-day operations of drinking water utilities by using tools as a means of effectively providing access to, and applying, knowledge. We believe that workshops which raise awareness of the tools and strengthen the sense of community are essential here. In this community, tools can be further developed and applied, allowing us to learn and get better together. The Digilab makes available the time and attention that are needed.

If you work for a drinking water utility and are interested, you can go to the Digilab software page on Waterwijs-net, where more and more tools are being added.