In recent years, model distribution systems have become valuable tools for understanding physical, chemical and microbiological processes that occur in full-scale distribution systems. These systems enable numerous treatment strategies to be examined in controlled conditions and without adversely affecting the water quality at a customer's tap. Many model reactors have been developed for obtaining water quality data for evaluating very specific processes that occur in the distribution system (e.g. trihalomethane formation). The simulated distribution system (SDS) test is used to predict the formation of trihalomethanes in the distribution system, annular reactors (AR) are commonly used for biofilm studies and pipe rig systems can be used for a variety of studies including corrosion and biofilm. Of the three model reactors, pipe rig systems provide the most flexibility, however relatively few standard or de facto testing procedures have been developed in comparison to the other laboratory-based model systems (e.g. SDS test protocol). There are several hydraulic configurations that can be modelled along with various lengths and diameters of different pipe materials. However, this flexibility and the lack of standard pipe rig designs cause difficulties in making broad comparisons among research projects. This paper outlines the important design variables of a pipe rig system and provides examples of different options for each variable. Based on a thorough review of previous pipe rig studies, a framework was developed to assist in the design and selection of pipe rig configurations. It is recommended that the framework provides a method for selecting the physical and hydraulic configuration for future pipe rig investigations. Ultimately, the framework would provide the water industry with potential designs that would allow for improvement in data evaluation and strategies for minimizing water quality degradation in distribution systems.
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November 2003
This article was originally published in
Journal of Water Supply: Research and Technology-Aqua
Article Contents
Research Article|
November 01 2003
A framework for the implementation and design of pilot-scale distribution systems
John D. Eisnor;
John D. Eisnor
1Nova Scotia Department of Environment and Labour, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
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Graham A. Gagnon
2Department of Civil Engineering, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
Tel: +1 902 494 3268 Fax: +1 902 494 3108; E-mail: [email protected]
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Journal of Water Supply: Research and Technology-Aqua (2003) 52 (7): 501–519.
Citation
John D. Eisnor, Graham A. Gagnon; A framework for the implementation and design of pilot-scale distribution systems. Journal of Water Supply: Research and Technology-Aqua 1 November 2003; 52 (7): 501–519. doi: https://doi.org/10.2166/aqua.2003.0045
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