A software tool for storm and sanitary sewer modeling contains a powerful new hydraulic analysis engine. The modeling software is a middle step between simple static models and sophisticated dynamic models.
The Hydra 6(tm) modeling software combines a user-friendly interface, hydraulic analysis, and geographical information systems (GIS) features.
The Windows(tm)-based software is used by municipal and consulting engineers, directors of utilities, project managers and project engineers. It is especially helpful for small- to-mid-sized municipal wastewater systems because of its faster engine and graphical user interface.
Operators who have a clear idea of what they are trying to accomplish with their sewer model, and are knowledgeable of CAD and databases, should find the program easy to use. After a few days of training, an operator should be able to put together a small but fully functional model in a week or two, according to Cindy Peyser of Pizer Inc.
The 32-bit hydraulic calculation engine speeds up the process of municipal sanitary sewer modeling. With the calculations done in the Windows environment instead of in DOS, the models are more convenient to use on a day-to-day basis.
The engine has a new way of calculating the hydraulic grade line for backwater conditions. This method uses a decision tree on actual field measurements, making it more sensitive to field conditions than other methods based on formulas.
Algorithms in the program are sophisticated in areas where accuracy is critical and practical where there typically is 0no need for intensive computations.
Graphical layers help to organize data used to generate flows from land use, service areas, and parcels. Fully integrated into the modeling environment, this layering method makes it possible to manage several alternatives for population and land use. The program works with standard CAD, GIS, and database information commonly used by municipalities.
In cases where inflow and infiltration are an issue, the software can be used to provide realistic modeling. The software organizes data on defects, severity of cracked pipes, tree root intrusion, and leaky joints. It models the flow entering each defect in dry and wet weather.
Up to four types of flow can be displayed in each hydrograph. Sanitary, storm, infiltration and inflow are tracked separately by the software and identified in a key for each hydrograph. The user also can evaluate the impact of new or proposed flow sources.
A storm cell simulator and timing model allows the user to direct a storm cell across a basin at any speed or in any direction. The program also can make use of radar scans of rainfall or data from several rain gauges, improving storm modeling accuracy and calibration.
The program can automatically "shuffle" storms across time to come up with a worst case scenario.
The design and construction cost estimation features of the software compare alternative designs. The user can output data on required improvements to create rough estimates or use the softwares features to create detailed estimates from input of construction and cost factors - depending on the users experience in sewer construction.
Elements of the design include any combination of pipes, channels, gutters, inlets, pumps, reservoirs, detention storage units, manholes, outlets, and other elements. The program handles downstream splits in a system where flow is diverted.
