Measurements of flushing processes are needed to calculate future-oriented flushing intervals for drinking water lines. As part of the research project, the practical flushing bench FlushInspect was developed, which can be used to determine the deposit situation and flow velocity during flushing.
Drinking water networks need to be flushed regularly as particles entering with the drinking water and corrosion of unprotected metallic pipes can cause deposits to form. The condition-based removal of deposits is a fundamental measure to assure water quality in drinking water distribution. The processes involved in deposits forming in drinking water lines and an algorithm to calculate condition-based flushing intervals (flushing intervals depending on the speed of contamination) were identified and/or developed by TZW as a result of previous research projects.
The deposit situation and flushing speed, in particular, along with flushing measurements are required in order to calculate flushing intervals.
As part of the research project, the marketable flushing bench FlushInspect was developed, which can be used to obtain the necessary measurement data. Water supply companies now have an essential tool to develop condition-based flushing schedules. At the end of the project, the flushing bench from the project partner F.A.S.T was ordered by water supply companies and has been used successfully ever since.
Publications:
Korth, A.; Donath, O.: Zustandsorientierte Spülstrategie für Trinkwassernetze [Condition-based flushing strategy for drinking water networks]. DVGW energie|wasser-praxis 11/2018, 36-41 (2018)
