UK Environment Agency Study Confirms Leading Capabilities of InfoWorks ICM

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UK Environment Agency Study Confirms Leading Capabilities of InfoWorks ICM

Innovyze Smart Integrated Catchment Solution Excels in Examination of Two-Dimensional Modeling Solutions

Broomfield, Colorado, USA, August 20, 2013 — Innovyze, a leading global innovator of business analytics software and technologies for smart wet infrastructure, today announced the excellent performance of its industry-leading InfoWorks ICM solution, as reported in the UK Environment Agency’s recent “Benchmarking the latest generation of 2D hydraulic flood modelling packages” publications catalogue (August 14, 2013).InfoWorks ICM successfully completed all tests and was singled out as a solution that fully supports the ability to link two-dimensional flood models to one-dimensional elements. The validation by this leading UK agency further highlights InfoWorks ICM as a market leader in the high-performance modeling of two-dimensional overland flow. The Environment Agency’s role within the United Kingdom is to reduce the risks to people and properties from flooding; make sure there is enough water for people and wildlife; protect and improve air, land and water quality; and apply the environmental standards within which industry can operate. As part of this role, the agency has published a series of reports since 2009 aimed at ensuring that two-dimensional hydraulic modeling solutions used for flood risk management by the Environment Agency and their consultants are capable of adequately predicting the variables on which flood risk management decisions are based. The eight tests detailed in the current report were designed to show the suitability of software solutions to the agency’s common flooding applications, including: Large Scale Flood Risk Mapping, Catchment Flood Management Planning, Flood Risk Assessment and Detailed Flood Mapping, Strategic Flood Risk Assessment, Flood Hazard Mapping, Contingency Planning for Real Time Flood Risk Management, and Reservoir Inundation Mapping. The InfoWorks ICM 2D component uses an advanced finite-volume solution scheme which solves shallow water equations across a flexible, irregular mesh. This allows it to calculate complex two-dimensional flow routes quickly and accurately in areas of complex and varying topography. The solver is fully conservative and shock-capturing, allowing the solution to deal with changes in the flow regime. As a result, InfoWorks ICM is particularly well-suited for the simulation of rapidly varying flows, such as those occurring in typical flood events. The robust and quick two-dimensional hydrodynamic simulation engine is only one part of the rich functionalityInfoWorks ICM offers within a single user interface. Combining full one-dimensional hydraulic capabilities for piped and river networks with integrated hydrology modeling and water quality functionality, InfoWorks ICMoffers a complete package of functionality for engineers modeling drainage networks, open channels, rivers and floodplains. The UK report results also highlight InfoWorks ICM’s ability to apply Graphic Processing Units (GPUs) to significantly increase the speed of two-dimensional run times. Complex two-dimensional simulations that would typically take hours to run on a regular PC can be completed with GPU technology in just a few minutes.InfoWorks ICM was the only solution able to employ this advanced technology to all tests in the study, including 1D-2D linkages. In addition, InfoWorks ICM features Esri (Redlands, CA) ArcGIS compatibility and integration at the core of the solution and works with both the 32-bit and 64-bit editions of the latest Microsoft (Redmond, WA) Windows 8 and Windows Server 2012 operating systems. “We at Innovyze are delighted that the UK Environment Agency’s latest report validates our efforts to makeInfoWorks ICM the very best solution available to government agencies and engineering consultancies worldwide,” said Paul F. Boulos, Ph.D., BCEEM, Hon.D.WRE, Dist.D.NE, F.ASCE, President, COO and Chief Technical Officer of Innovyze. “Since submitting results to the study, we have continued to aggressively develop and enhance InfoWorks ICM, adding improved water quality options, terrain-sensitive meshing, 2D structures, breach modeling capabilities and further speed gains in the 1-D engine. Our clients deserve nothing less in support of their efforts to plan, design, manage and operate more sustainable infrastructure and provide good value and satisfaction to their customers.” More Information The full report “Benchmarking the latest generation of 2D hydraulic flood modelling packages” is available on the Environment Agency website at http://evidence.environment-agency.gov.uk/FCERM/Libraries/FCERM_Project_Documents/SC120002_Benchmarking_2D_hydraulic_models_Report.sflb.ashx. Further information on the performance of InfoWorks ICM in the report is available on the Innovyze Insider Blog at http://blog.innovyze.com/2013/08/20/uk-environment-agency-study-confirms-leading-capabilities-of-infoworks-icm/. An overview of InfoWorks ICM, including an introductory video, is available on the Innovyze website athttp://www.innovyze.com/products/infoworks_icm/.

Vacuum Sewers

Compiled by:

Beat Stauffer (seecon international gmbh)

Source:  http://www.sswm.info/category/implementation-tools/wastewater-collection/hardware/sewers/vacuum-sewers

Executive Summary

Vacuum sewerage systems consist of a vacuum station, where the vacuum is generated, the vacuum pipeline system, collection chambers with collection tanks and interface valve units. In contrast to conventional gravity sewerage systems with intermediate pumping stations, the permanent pressure within the vacuum system is maintained below atmospheric pressure. Moreover, vacuum technology reduces water consumption considerably, enabling flexible installations regardless of topography and water availability. In addition, it allows for the use of alternative wastewater handling (blackwater and greywater separation).

In	Out
Blackwater, Faecal Sludge, Greywater,Brownwater, Urine or Yellowwater, Faeces,Excreta, Energy	Blackwater, Non-biodegradable Wastewater

Basic Design Principles

Overview of a vacuum sewer system. Source: ROEDIGER (2007)

Vacuum sewerage systems use a central vacuum source to convey sewage from individual households to a central collection station (UNEP 2002). It is a mechanised system ofwastewater transport. Unlike gravity flow (e.g.conventional sewers,separate sewers or simplified sewers), vacuum sewers use differential air pressure (negative pressure) to move the sewage. A central source of power to operate vacuum pumps is required to maintain vacuum (negative pressure) on the collection system. The system requires a normally closed vacuum/gravity interface valve at each entry point to seal the lines so that vacuum can be maintained. These valves, located in valve pits, open when a predetermined amount of sewage accumulates in collecting sumps. The resulting differential pressure between atmosphere and vacuum becomes the driving force that propels the sewage towards the vacuum station (PDH ENGINEER 2007).

Transport of Wastewater

  

Steps of wastewater transportation in a vacuum sewer system. Source: PDH ENGINEER (2007) 

A traditional gravity line carries wastewater down to the collection chamber (it is recommended to combine it with vacuum- or low-flush toilets). As soon as the level reaches a defined height, thevacuum interface valve opens and the negative pressure sucks the wastewater into thevacuum sewer main. At the end of the pipe system, there is a collection tank. When the tank fills to a predetermined level, sewage pumps transfer the contents to a treatment plant via aconventional or separate sewer system. It is important to understand that the collection system is hold on permanent level of vacuum.

Collection Chamber

     

Cross-section of a collection chamber. Source: GTZ(2005)     

The wastewater from the houses is held back in collection chambers, with pneumatic regulating valves close to the houses. When a given volume of wastewater is collected in the chamber sump, a pneumatic controller is activated by hydrostatic pressure. The controller opens an interface valvefor an adjustable time period. The wastewater (10 to 50 L) and a certain amount of air (20 to 60 L) are evacuated through the open valve into the vacuum sewer line. The pressure gradient between the vacuum station and atmospheric pressure at the collection pits is responsible for the movement of sewage to the vacuum tank (GTZ 2005).

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Vacuum Station

 

Small vacuum station building with biofilter for the suction air and collection tank. Source: ROEDIGER (2007)

All the vacuum sewers are connected to the vacuumcollection vessel installed at the central vacuum station, where vacuum pumps create the required negative pressure (approximate -0.6 bar). The vacuum vessel can be placed inside or buried outside the vacuum station. Transfer pumps convey thewastewater from the vessel to the wastewater treatmentplant or to an existing sewer. The capacity and dimensions of the vacuum station are dictated by the particular requirements of the sewer system. Operation of the vacuum and transfer pumps is controlled by a software (ROEDIGER 2007).

Piping

In contrast to gravity sewer pipes, it is easier and cheaper to build the vacuum sewer piping. Nomanholes or sewer pumping stations are necessary, just inspection points for pressure testing. This avoids settling of sludge and no manholes are needed to be cleaned out (see also dignity orhuman powered emptying). The pipes of a vacuum sewer system have a smaller diameter (80 to 250 mm) and the trenches are narrow and shallow (1.0 to 1.2 m). That is also an advantage if there is a high groundwater table. Unexpected obstacle can easily be bypassed by a modified and more flexible pipe design. If a pipe is damaged, the risk of sewage infiltration is very low, because of the negative pressure in the sewer line. Expert design is required, but the construction and installation work can be done by local contractors and pipe suppliers. No heavy machinery is necessary and there is no danger of a collapse of deep trenches (ROEDIGER 2007).

            

Local workers at construction of a shallow vacuum sewer system (above) and excavation of gravitysewer trenches with heavy machinery. Source: ROEDIGER (2007)            

Costs Considerations

As it is a high-tech system, it is costly. But in comparison with a conventional sewer system, it is cheaper. Piping costs are lower, because the dimensions are smaller. Therefore, less material is required. Also the installation can be cheaper because piping is independent from the topography. Furthermore, no heavy machinery is necessary for excavate deep trenches, thus the work can be done by local workers, which creates employment. Finally, big amounts of flushing water can be saved which is economical and ecological reasonable. However, the constantenergy requirement for the permanent vacuum generation can increase the costs.

Operation and Maintenance

The risk of clogging is low and there is almost no cleaning/emptying work to do. From time to time pressure in the vacuum sewer system should be tested. The system needs instructed workers for maintenance and operation works. More complex and/or technical problems are in the responsibility of the manufacturer.

                 

Construction of a sewer at the left side and pressure testing et the right side. Source: ROEDIGER (2007)                 

Health Aspects

As long as it is maintained properly, a vacuum sewer system guarantees a high level of comfort and hygiene. There is a very low risk of contamination due to leakage. It is a closed system, thus there is almost no contact between wastewater and operators. However, a treatment system at the end of the pipe needs to be in place.

At a Glance

Working Principle	Vacuum sewerage systems use a central vacuum source to convey sewagefrom individual households to a central collection station.
Capacity/Adequacy	Can be used in dense populated areas as well as in rural areas. It is independent from the topography (hilly or flat area) and can pass any obstacles without any problems
Performance	Very high performance
Costs	High capital costs, but still lower than gravity sewer system
Self-help Compatibility	Very low
O&M	It is a reliable system and does not need a lot of maintenance
Reliability	Very reliable
Main strength	Shallow trenches and it requires a minimal amount of flushing water. Very high level of comfort and hygiene.
Main weakness	It is costly and it needs a permanent energy source for the vacuumpumps. It needs expert design and depends on a centralised system.

Applicability

Basically, vacuum sewering is most suitable in areas where a collection is needed but other options are too costly or not feasible (Adapted from HUBA & PANZERBIETER 2006);

• Flat topography: gravity systems demand installation at great depths to maintain adequate flow (pump stations, lift stations)
• Rock layers, running sand or a high groundwater table make deep excavation difficult
• Areas short of water supply or poor communities that must pay for and cannot afford great amounts of water necessary for operation of gravity systems
• Areas that are ecologically sensitive
• Areas where flooding can occur
• Areas with obstacles to a gravity sewer route
• Installation of a new fresh water network, allowing sewerage pipe installation in the same trench

Where potable water is in short supply and/or people are poor, flushing velocities in gravitysewers are often difficult to attain and maintain. A vacuum system relies on the negative pressure to propel the liquid at scouring velocities and it is largely independent of the volumes of water used.

Advantages

• Requires less water to transport the excreta and faeces to the centralised treatment system
• Considerable savings in construction costs, and much shorter construction period
• Piping: Pipelines laid in shallow and narrow trenches; small diameter pipelines, flexible pipeline construction, easy to lay pipelines around obstacles
• Sewers and water mains can be laid in a common trench
• Closed systems with no leakage or smell
• No manholes along the vacuum sewers
• One central vacuum station can replace several pumping stations

Disadvantages

• Needs expert design
• Needs energy to create the permanent vacuum
• Relatively high capital costs
• Recycling of nutrients and energy becomes difficult
• Unsuitability for self-help, requires skilled engineers operators
• It is still a flushing system which transports wastewater away. If there is no treatment plant and an unprofessional discharge it can contaminate the environment

References 

GTZ (Editor) (2005): Vacuum Technology (Low Pressure Systems). Eschborn: German Agency for Technical Cooperation (GTZ) GmbH. PDF

HUBA-MANG, E.; PANZERBIETER, T. (2006): Sanitation is more than Life - Sustainable Sanitation Options for Sri Lanka. Singapore: World Toilet Organization (WTO). PDF

PDH ENGINEER (Editor) (2007): Vacuum Sewers: Design and Installation Guidelines. Alexandria, Virginia: Water Environment Federation. URL [Accessed: 09.03.2011]. PDF

ROEDIGER (Editor) (2007): RoeVac Vacuum Sewer System. Hanau: Roediger Vacuum GmbH. URL[Accessed: 09.03.2011]. PDF

UNEP (Editor) (2002): A Directory of Environmentally Sound Technologies for the Integrated Management of Solid, Liquid and Hazardous Waste for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in the Pacific Region. The Hague: United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). URL [Accessed: 28.03.2012]. PDF

ROEDIGER (Editor) (2007): RoeVac Vacuum Sewer System. PDF Presentation. Hanau: Roediger Vacuum GmbH. PDF