I'm trying to model a spring with a flow of approximately 1,000 gpm. The flow is set by a weir prior to entering the water distribution system. The spring has the highest elevation in the water system and if I don't include a flow control device then the spring will flow at 2200 gpm which it will not physically do. What is the best way to model the spring and limit the flow out of the spring to reflect actual conditions using WATERGEMS? Thanks.
WaterGEMS/WaterCAD has flow control valve and you can limit the flow by using that valve.
Regards,
Mohamad Azzam
I have looked at using a flow control valve but it creates head loss through the valve which makes my hydraulic grade line less than the actual conditions.
You need to determine what elements are controlling flow and pressure and model them accurately. Is flow controlled by some valves downstream of the spring or is it just limited by demand?
FCV's are good if you are just trying to force a flow but to achieve fidelity between the model and system, you need to get data from throughout the system and calibrate the model.
The problem is that you cannot control both the HGL and the flow. If you've forced a certain inflow by way of an FCV or negative demand and are not seeing the desired HGL, most likely there's a problem elsewhere in the system.
Could you elaborate on how this spring water enters your pressurized pipe system? (WaterCAD and WaterGEMS assume full pipe flow)
Jesse DringoliTechnical Support Manager, OpenFlowsBentley Communities Site AdministratorBentley Systems, Inc.
The spring flows from the spring collection system into a box with a weir separating two sides of the box. Head builds up in the box and flows over a weir which has a 12-inch pipe in the bottom (connected to the distribution system). Depending on the spring flow the pipe could be partially full.