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Simulation Features

WATSYS is an engineering software package used to simulate the real time behaviour of large pipe networks carrying any pressurised Newtonian fluid (usually water).  Both hydraulic behaviour and distributed chemical concentration (water quality) can be simulated.  It offers the essential features described on this page.

Units

Simulation may be carried out using either metric or imperial units with pipe flows determined either by the Colebrook-White or Hazen-Williams formulae.  In addition the user may choose the flow units.

Time

Simulations commence with a network balance at the specified starting time.  After this starting point, time is increased by half-hourly or user-specified time increments and the network balanced using flow demands for that particular time of day.  The smallest time increment allowed is 1 minute. Fluid levels in reservoirs are continually adjusted, pumps are started/stopped or their speed varied, and valves are opened/closed or throttled.  The time of valve and pump changes is calculated on the basis of the system's control logic.  A simulation can be as short as one instant in time or extend for up to 70 days. 

Data

Data preparation for the program facilitates simulation of very complex network arrangements.  For simple network and pump operation, data reduces to a very simple form that is quickly prepared.  Data can be imported and exported in a range of formats.  ESRI Shapefiles now tend to be the most efficient format for data import and export.

Work flow

Using WATSYS, a user may:

  1. Create and edit the configuration and engineering parameters for small to large networks.
  2. Classify the network into topological 'zones'.
  3. Classify components into construction 'stages' and select which stage of construction to include in the simulation.
  4. Perform a simulation of the network as it would operate over a chosen period of time.
  5. Analyse the systems response to fire flows drawn from a nominated point(s) in the network.
  6. Quantify the flow versus head-difference characteristics ("system curve") for a nominated control valve or pump site.
  7. View maps, graphs, tables, vertical long sections and animations of a number of dynamic parameters.