Search for question
Question

Q3 (30 pts): The three-loop water distribution system shown in the figure below is not functioning

effectively. The demand for water at junction F is being met, but the required pressure by the

industrial customer is 185 kPa. Therefore, the water company has decided to increase the diameter

of one pipe in the network by 5 cm. Determine which pipe should be replaced to have the greatest

impact on the pressure in the system, specifically the pressure at node F. (Hint: examine the output

table for head losses, flow rates, and pipe sizes. One pipe stands out as the best choice, although

there is a second pipe that is only slightly worse.)

Part A: Create an EPANET model for the (unmodified) pipe network presented in the

figure below using the given demands and pipe specifications. Comment on how close your

EPANET results for flow rates and pressures at each node to those presented in the table

below. Please provide some explanation for the possible sources of differences between

the results.

Part B: Using EPANET, replace a pipe of your choice (increase the diameter by 5 cm) and

determine the pressure change at node F. Provide a brief justification for your final desing.

For both parts, please include a screenshot of your final results in the EPANET (i.e.,

showing flows and pressures) model to accompany your discussion. Submit the EPANET

models as part of your .zip folder.

Q=300

Pipe

AB

AD

BC

95

BG

GH

CH

DE

GE

EF

HF

D

205

Flow (m³/sec)

95

0.20

0.10

0.08

0.12

0.02

0.03

0.10

0.00

0.10

0.05

Length (m)

125

300

250

350

125

350

125

300

125

8

E

350

125

B

G

Q = 100

80

Q = 150

Figure 3: Diagram of the water distribution network with the flow rates of each pipe and the

demands at each node.

Diameter (m)

23

Table 2: Properties and flow rates for the pipes in the water distribution system.

0.30

0.25

0.20

0.20

0.20

0.20

0.20

0.15

0.20

0.15

33

3

87

30

elD

63

0.00087

0.00104

0.00130

0.00130

0.00130

0.00130

0.00130

0.00173

0.00130

0.00173

Q = 50

H

ƒ

0.019

0.020

0.021

0.021

0.021

0.021

0.021

0.022

0.021

0.022

K (sec²/m³)

194

423

1,900

678

1,900

678

1.630

2,990

1,900

2,990