The effect of a loss of model structural detail due to network skeletonization on contamination warning system design: case studies
The effect of limitations in the structural detail available in a network model on contamination warning system (CWS) design was examined in case studies using the original and skeletonized network models for two water distribution systems (WDSs). The skeletonized models were used as proxies for...
| Main Authors: | , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Copernicus Publications
2018-05-01
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| Series: | Drinking Water Engineering and Science |
| Online Access: | https://www.drink-water-eng-sci.net/11/49/2018/dwes-11-49-2018.pdf |
| Summary: | The effect of limitations in the structural
detail available in a network model on contamination warning system (CWS)
design was examined in case studies using the original and skeletonized
network models for two water distribution systems (WDSs). The skeletonized
models were used as proxies for incomplete network models. CWS designs were
developed by optimizing sensor placements for worst-case and mean-case
contamination events. Designs developed using the skeletonized network models
were transplanted into the original network model for evaluation. CWS
performance was defined as the number of people who ingest more than some
quantity of a contaminant in tap water before the CWS detects the presence of
contamination. Lack of structural detail in a network model can result in CWS
designs that (1) provide considerably less protection against worst-case
contamination events than that obtained when a more complete network model is
available and (2) yield substantial underestimates of the consequences
associated with a contamination event. Nevertheless, CWSs developed using
skeletonized network models can provide useful reductions in consequences for
contaminants whose effects are not localized near the injection location.
Mean-case designs can yield worst-case performances similar to those for
worst-case designs when there is uncertainty in the network model.
Improvements in network models for WDSs have the potential to yield
significant improvements in CWS designs as well as more realistic evaluations
of those designs. Although such improvements would be expected to yield
improved CWS performance, the expected improvements in CWS performance have
not been quantified previously. The results presented here should be useful
to those responsible for the design or implementation of CWSs, particularly
managers and engineers in water utilities, and encourage the development of
improved network models. |
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| ISSN: | 1996-9457 1996-9465 |