Assessing Performance of a Water Transmission System Using an Inverse Transient Method

Traditionally, transient pressures have been considered as a potentially destructive influence in systems, possibly leading to pipe or equipment failures and representing a threat to both water quality and smooth operation. More recently it has been realized that transient pressures also carry considerable information about system state and condition. This has lead to so-called inverse transient methods, where a transient signal is used to infer system characteristics and parameters. The current work goes further than even this, specifically by considering the possibility of permanent installations to monitor and assess the system's transient response. This paper describes a collaboration between the Regional Municipality of Peel, the University of Toronto, Earth Tech consultants, and the Pressure Pipe Inspection Company to bring this transient data into focus and to greatly magnify and explore its value. While the final verdict is not yet out, the overall performance of this monitoring system, initial indications are that fruitful and economic partnership between data, sensors and monitoring technologies is possible.