Achieving better hydraulic models through accurate data correction

Introduction

Hydraulic models are essential tools for water utilities to simulate and predict network behavior, but their effectiveness depends heavily on accurate data. Errors and inaccuracies in input data are major sources of uncertainty that can compromise both short-term incident response and long-term network planning. PipeFusion addresses these issues by ensuring data accuracy, empowering utilities to build more reliable and responsive hydraulic models.

The problem

Hydraulic models depend on correct pipeline data to simulate water flow, pressure, and system behaviour. Inaccurate data, such as incorrect pipe geometry, flow direction, or network connectivity can lead to faulty simulations, misinforming operational decisions  and ineffective responses to incidents like pipe bursts or leaks. These inaccuracies increase the potential for response delays, operational inefficiencies, and resource waste.

How PipeFusion solves the problem

PipeFusion improves hydraulic modeling through the validation and correction of pipeline data, achieving over 99% accuracy in critical parameters like geometry, connectivity, and flow direction. This clean and accurate data serves as a reliable foundation for simulations, improving model performance and boosting utility responsiveness. PipeFusion provides:

• Preprocessing and data correction: PipeFusion identifies and corrects data inconsistencies, ensuring that hydraulic models reflect real-world network conditions accurately.
• Flow direction correction: Accurate flow direction data is critical for predicting water movement and potential incidents, enabling utilities to model scenarios with precision.
• Real-time data integration: By dynamically updating hydraulic models with accurate, real-time data, utilities can respond to network incidents with precise, data-driven strategies

Results and benefits

• Accurate incident detection and prediction: Clean data enables hydraulic models to simulate and predict issues like leaks or pipe bursts with greater precision, facilitating early detection and faster response.
• Reduced false alarms: Accurate data minimises false alarms and unnecessary interventions, allowing resources to be allocated more efficiently.
• Enhanced decision-making: With precise data inputs, utilities can make faster, data-backed decisions, reducing delays and optimising operational responses.
• Efficient resource deployment: Accurate simulations and predictive capabilities enable response teams to be deployed more effectively, reducing incident response times by 20-30% and enhancing network resilience.

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Conclusion

Accurate data is the cornerstone of effective hydraulic modelling. PipeFusion ensures that utilities have clean, validated data to drive reliable simulations, improve incident response times, and support long-term planning and network optimisation.

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