Practical analysis of cleaning water supply pipeline using air and water flushing technology

Abstract

To ensure the safety of water quality, pipe network cleaning and security management are put forward higher requirements. Traditional single-phase water flushing pipe technology requires high velocity and large flow rate of water, which does not suitable for large-diameter pipes. Air and water flushing pipes are new pipeline cleaning technology, which has high efficiency, good washing effect, and can save a lot of water. The principles of airwater flushing large-diameter, large-deviation-elevation, and many- ups-and-downs pipes are described in this paper. Based on the two-phase flow theories, it analyzes complex hydraulic characteristics and control parameters for flushing pipeline. Combine with engineering practice, air and water flushing diameter of 800 mm pipeline in Shanghai city and flushing pipe parameters are introduced. The air and water flushing effect and water resource consumption reduction are analyzed, as well.