Modified Pipe Network Model for Incorporating Peak Demand Requirements

Abstract

In some states the design of branched pipes in rural water systems must be carried out based on pressure drops calculated using expected instantaneous peak flows. These instantaneous peak flows are based on the number of users served by the pipe link, and field measurements have led to various tables of recommended values. Hydraulic calculations using instantaneous peak flows require a special approach. This approach, which can be incorporated into a pipe network hydraulic model, is described. An example illustrates the significant differences possible in a hydraulic analysis using a conventional approach based on a peak per-capita demand and a modified one based on satisfying instantaneous peak flow requirements.