Modeling a Tank with an Overflow

Product(s): WaterGEMS, WaterCAD
Version(s): CONNECT Edition, V8i
Area: Modeling

Problem

Is it possible to model a tank that can overflow is the water level exceeds the top/maximum elevation?

Solution - "Allow Overflow"

Starting with WaterGEMS and WaterCAD CONNECT Edition Update 4, you can directly model a tank that overflows instead of having to use the workaround described in the next section below. In the tank properties, set the property field "Allows Overflow?" to True. This will allow the tank to overflow if the top of the tank is reached.

Solution - Reservoir Approach

In WaterGEMS and WaterCAD CONNECT Edition Update 3 and earlier, there is a built-in altitude valve that will keep the tank from overtopping. In these versions, if you want to model an overflow, you would need install a reservoir in the model at the elevation of the overflow pipe invert, connected to the tank by a pipe with a check valve that permits flow from the tank to the overflow reservoir but not back. This simulates the overflow pipe.

Such a tank is show below, where:

T-1 is tank
P-1 is inflow pipe
P-2 is outflow pipe
P-3 is the overflow pipe
R-1 is the reservoir that receives the overflow water

The results of a model run for that model are shown below, where the blue line is the tank water surface elevation, the green line is the tank inflow, the red line is the outflow and the magenta line is the overflow. At hour 6, the tank water level exceeds the reservoir level (18 ft) and the overflow begins and continues until hour 12 when the outflow exceeds the inflow and the overflow stops.

Such a model can show instability where the water level reaches the top of the tank within a time step and the tank is disconnected. Such instability can be corrected by increasing the size of the overflow pipe, increasing the distance between the overflow and the top of the tank, decreasing the net inflow to the tank, increasing tank diameter or decreasing the model time step.

Example Model

A copy of the example model illustrated above can be downloaded below. Note that this model can only be opened in version 10.03.XX.XX and greater (not yet available as of October, 2019), and you must be signed in in order to see the download button.

Tank overflow example model

See Also

What happens when a tank becomes empty or full? (altitude valve)

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