Unsteady Flow of Dilute Aqueous Polymer Solutions in Pipe Networks-a Method to Improve Water Distribution

摘要

The purpose of the research was to determine the effect of polymer additives in the flow of water in pipe networks. The use of friction-reducing additives to temporarily improve water distribution systems during emergencies is investigated mathematically and studied experimentally. The research was directed primarily to the prediction of the unsteady flow conditions which result from the injection locally of a long-chain polymer into a pipe network during emergency flow conditions. A computer program is developed to solve the equations associated with the unsteady flow in the network resulting from the additive. The program is used to show that an inadequate existing water distribution system for fire-fighting can be made adequate quickly enough by injection of a friction-reducing long-chain polymer at one point in the system. The report contains 41 illustrations and 83 references. (WRSIC abstract)