Construção do modelo hidráulico e calibração de um setor de abastecimento de água em Caxias do Sul

Abstract

New computational tools, information systems and techniques with simulation algorithms are increasingly emerging that allow a better understanding of drinking water distribution networks and, therefore, better operational and planning management. Hydraulic modeling is a powerful computational tool for studying and analyzing the flow and behavior of water in different scenarios, enabling a better understanding of the SAA and optimizing decision-making related to the management of water resources. In this sense, this work aimed to calibrate the hydraulic model of a sector located in the west zone of the municipality of Caxias do Sul - RS, which has a network length of 14.53 km and supplies 2,035 consumers. To model and calibrate the sector, the WaterGEMS software was used, where the data collected in the field and also the internal technical registration data provided by the Municipal Autonomous Water and Sewage Service (SAMAE) of Caxias do Sul were inserted, with the purpose of evaluating the water distribution network and check whether its pressures are consistent with the values established in NBR 12.218 (ABNT, 2017). The system calibration was carried out with flow data from macrometers monitored by telemetry, and for pressure calibration, data were collected using dataloggers for a period of 7 days, with calibration being carried out for two of these days. The pressure values at all nodes of the network were then evaluated, identifying 96 points with values above the maximum recommended by the standard. To reduce the pressure at these points, it was suggested the creation of two macrozones, one being supplied directly from the reservoir and the other a VRP would be implemented in the main pipeline. The possibility of reducing the number of existing VRPs in the area, relocating or reconfiguring them was analyzed, with the study suggesting the relocation of one of them to cover a wider area and reconfiguring the others, reducing the valve outlet pressure. The hydraulic head loss of the distribution network was also verified with the purpose of identifying sections with high head loss, which would require replacement or resizing of the network. In this sense, a reinforcement of the supply network was designed, in addition to the installation of network separator registers and network interconnection, with the aim of reducing the high loss of hydraulic head in the region supplied directly by the reservoir, which was the area that had the most cargo loss. Resectorization was also necessary to reduce points with pressures outside the values established by standards. Hydraulic modeling has proven to be an important ally in identifying problems in supply networks, ensuring that water flows efficiently and that water pressure is in line with the norm at all points. [resumo fornecido pelo autor]