Management of valves to improve performance reliability of distribution systems

The overall reliability of a distribution system depends largely on valve reliability, location, and adequacy of number as well as the frequency of water main failure. Therefore, valve management is an essential aspect of distribution system management. This article details how a computer application, the Strategic Valve Management Model (SVMM), can be used to identify pipe segments associated with pipe breaks, determine valves to isolate the breaks, and perform analyses of valve management alternatives (including present worth costs) to reduce customer service interruptions. Valve management alternatives include the addition of new valves, improvement of valve reliability by exercising valves, or a combination of the two. A set of simple performance indicators was developed to evaluate the performance of valve isolating systems. This article demonstrates applications of the SVMM to hypothetical and actual water distribution systems.