A Numerical Exploration of Transient Decay Mechanisms in Water Distribution Systems - Advances in Control and Automation of Water Systems - page 9

figure 1.2 Scatter diagram for Lab. Tests (Research Field Tests Model).

1.2.3 field tests
Field tests can provide key modeling parameters such as the pressure-wave speed or
pump inertia. Advanced flow and pressure sensors equipped with high-speed data log-
gers and PLC in water pipeline makes it possible to capture fast transients, down to 5
milliseconds. This research calibrated and validated numerical simulations for differ-
ent fluids and systems for clients in the water and wastewater sectors. Comparisons
between computer models and validation data can be grouped into the following three
categories:
• Cases for which closed-form analytical solutions exist given certain assump-
tions. If the model can directly reproduce the solution, is considered valid for
this case.
• Laboratory experiments compared with flow and pressure data records. The
model is calibrated using one set of data and, without changing parameter val-
ues, it is used to match a different set of results. If successful, it is considered
valid for these cases.
• Field tests on actual systems compared with flow and pressure data records.
These comparisons require threshold and span calibration of all sensor groups,
multiple simultaneous datum and time base checks and careful test planning and
interpretation. Sound calibrations match multiple sensor records and reproduce
both peak timing and secondary signals (all measured every second or fraction
of a second).