innovative and collaborative research · project appreciation and objectives benefits to clients...
TRANSCRIPT
January
2012
innovative and collaborative research
1
Portfolio - Innovation
Collaborationon
Innovation is, apparently, going to be the answer to all our problems. Attend any meeting or high level conference addressing the issues of today: Water Framework Directive, carbon reduction, water efficiency, etc., and you are guaranteed to be told that innovation is needed for the Water Sector to meet these challenges. But this is a not a startling new insight; innovation has long been key for the water and wastewater utilities and WRc's collaborative Portfolio programme has always been a core part of this.
The White Paper on Water also highlights the role of innovation and it is no coincidence that there is a rash of new initiatives and platforms to promote innovation, including the UK Water Research and Innovation Framework (UKWRIF), launched in November 2011; a European Innovation Partnership on Water Efficiency, part of the 2012 Blueprint for water due in June 2012; and the UK Technology Strategy Board Competition for Water, opening in March 2012. WRc is engaged with these initiatives and we will continue to evolve and improve Portfolio to complement and exploit future opportunities for more open collaboration.
WRc's experience of delivering the longest established collaborative research and innovation programme in the Water Sector shows that, fundamentally, innovation needs to be managed; it needs to be targeted; and it needs to be supported. WRc applies this philosophy to the production of timely, well focussed, shared-cost projects and continually improves the way the programme is developed.
Getting the right projects depends on early dialogue with those who have the problems. We have been reaching out more; with the support of the Research and Innovation Managers, we have run focussed workshops and meetings to review and preview issues and ideas for collaboration. Feedback shows that these events benefit all and I will continue to support and fund WRc's experts for future sessions. If you have not yet engaged with us in this way, and would like to, please let me know.
On the 25th April this year, WRc will be hosting the Open Innovation Day. This will give you the opportunity to see how WRc is changing, how we are extending the way we innovate and how we are improving and widening collaboration on innovation for you. I look forward to meeting you on the day, and welcome any discussion or suggestions on how WRc can continue to facilitate a more open way to innovate.
Ian WalkerWRc Innovation Director
You can contact me on: Tel: +44 (0) 1793 865155 Email: or on [email protected]
January 2012
Topic Title Ref. Page
Area
Metering District & commercial meters - The next generation 4
Leakage Better estimation of plumbing losses 5
Asset Management Consequences of asset failure on service in distribution 6
Water Distribution New methods for service reservoir inspection 7
Leak Detection Fibre optics for trunk mains leak detection & location 8
Water Treatment Planning for emergency events in water supply 9
Sewerage Locating private pumping stations 10
Sewerage Defining & managing health risks from sewage flooding 11
Sewerage Sewer blockage clearance - Good practice guide 12
Sewerage Piecing together the benefits of modular construction 13
Waste & Wastewater Minimise odour from biosolids recycling to agricultural land 14
Water Treatment Waste A move toward zero waste 15
Waste & Wastewater Catchment based sewer grits & screenings management 16
Data Management Practical guidance to improve telemetry data quality 17
Data & Information Better day-to-day customer interaction 18
Data & Info Mgt. A structured approach to hydraulic model maintenance 19
Data & Information Geographical information user group 2012-14 20
CP461
CP462
CP463
CP464
CP465
CP466
CP460
CP467
CP468
CP469
CP470
CP471
CP472
CP473
CP474
CP475
CP024
2
New Proposed Projects Targeted atCurrent Issues and Problems 2012
Full proposals are available on request and summaries for all completed, current and proposed projects can be found at .
We are continuing to offer a 10% “early bird” discount to those customers who let us know which new projects they are interested in by the , provided a confirmed order is received by the . An Expression of Interest Form is included for your convenience.
www.waterportfolio.com
20th February 201219th March 2012
Topic Title Ref. Page
Area
Instrumentation IUG - Sharing knowledge & experience (2012-2013) 21
Water Treatment Water treatment disinfection forum 21
Metering Household meter location 22
Water Treatment Climate change, algal growth & mgt. of water supply 22
Carbon Mgt. CASSM - Optimising carbon abatement 23
Sewerage Rising mains: To replace or to renovate? 23
Sewerage Alternative approaches to surface water separation 24
Waste & Resource Development of a rapid test for anaerobic digestion 24
CP378
CP404b
CP448
CP450
CP443
CP451
CP454
CP459
3
Ongoing Collaborative ProjectsYou Can Buy Into 2012
Full proposals are available on request and summaries for all completed, current and proposed projects can be found at .
We are continuing to offer a 10% “early bird” discount to those customers who let us know which new projects they are interested in by the , provided a confirmed order is received by the . An Expression of Interest Form is included for your convenience.
www.waterportfolio.com
20th February 201219th March 2012
Project Appreciation and Objectives
Benefits to Clients
Work Programme
Project Output
Related Work
District (or DMA) meters are a critical source of data in the management of leakage in the water distribution network. Large non-household revenue meters (40mm+) typically account for over two thirds of a water company's non-household income. The drive towards further leakage reduction and smart networks requiring improved data quality have stimulated developments in metering with new battery powered solid state meters (electromagnetic and ultrasonic) challenging the traditional turbine types. These new meters claim to offer greater stability and a much flatter response curve than mechanical meters. This is particularly important when studying night flow trends over a long period; however, mechanical meter manufacturers are fighting back with new designs which claim to offer an extended measurement range and superior low flow performance compared to older models, which would benefit night flows and revenue.
Such meters represent a significant investment for water companies in purchase and installation costs. Replacement is also expensive and hence a long service life is desirable. So how does a water company decide which of these options will give the required performance and reliability in these demanding applications? This project will test the claims about these new meters and explore their performance through a rigorous test programme. Meters will be tested for accuracy and repeatability (particularly at low flows and under non-ideal conditions) wear and performance deterioration. The objectives will be to understand what level of performance might be expected in service, what will be the impact on leakage and revenues, what will be the impact on sizing meters and what will be the maintenance needs, hence costs of operation.
• Independent and objective data for planning future investments in DMA and large revenuemeters.
• Increased confidence in DMA flow data for leakage calculations and ALC targeting.• Reliable charging for commercial customers.
1. Agree meters to be included.2. Define detailed test programme.3. Obtain samples of meters.4. Undertake comprehensive test programme to explore performance aspects including accuracy,
low flow performance and reliability.5. Translate test results into the potential impact on leakage calculations and revenue.
• Comprehensive technical report with all test results and discussion of the implications for leakageand revenue.
• CP360 Performance of non-household meters.• Evaluation of meter types and technologies for small area monitors.• Validation of DMA meter replacement programme.
CP461District and Commercial Meters -The Next Generation
4
Index
PRICE£17,950
DURATION8 Months
WRc CONTACTMr Andy Godley
TELEPHONE+44 (0) 1793 865060
TOPIC AREAMetering
Project Appreciation and Objectives
Benefits to Clients
Work Programme
Project Output
Related Work
Plumbing losses occur in either the pressurised or non-pressurised system after the point of consumption. This is the point where the supply pipe rises above ground level within a property – usually at an inside stopcock or an internal meter.
Plumbing losses form one element of a household's legitimate daily consumption. Allowances are used by water companies but high uncertainty in these values is directly transferred onto total leakage estimates. As leakage levels are driven ever lower, reducing uncertainty in each component of the water balance is critical.
The objective of this study is to improve understanding of plumbing losses through the use of an existing source of evidence collected over ten years by WRc through their Identiflow monitoring of properties.
• Additional evidence and increased certainty in plumbing losses allowance for leakage reportingpurposes.
• Decreased uncertainty in overall water balance for the purpose of top-down/bottom-up analysis.
The project will use an existing body of evidence, approximately 500 surveys, held by WRc. Companies will get significant value from this existing dataset and no further data collection will be required.
The methodology involves the manual identification, “eyeballing”, of plumbing loss flows from high resolution flow traces collected by WRc's Identiflow equipment, and the subsequent quantification and analysis of these from the raw data. We will undertake a pilot of the analysis on selected sub-set of the full data set, around 8500 hours of flow data @ 1 second intervals. In parallel, we will also examine how this process might be automated. The main stages in the work programme will be:
1. Partitioning of the data set to identify properties with no plumbing losses or leakage, propertieswith a constant leak (either internal or supply pipe) and properties with intermittent plumbinglosses that will be used for this study.
2. Identification of the prevalence of properties with no leaks and/or plumbing losses, and thosewith constantly running leaks and/or plumbing losses.
3. Investigation and quantification of intermittent plumbing losses. 4. Reporting.
• The project output will include a report that will contain details of work undertaken, the results ofthe analysis and recommendations for the revision of plumbing loss estimates.
• CP187 - Increasing The Value Of Domestic Water Use Data For Demand Management.• UK Water Company - A Critical Evaluation of the Customer Water Use Components.
CP462Better Estimation ofPlumbing Losses
5
PRICE£9,950
DURATION7 Months
WRc CONTACTMiss Carmen Waylen
TELEPHONE+44 (0) 1793 865150
TOPIC AREALeakage
Index
Project Appreciation and Objectives
Benefits to Clients
Work Programme
Project Output
Related Work
Historical risk assessment methods have concentrated on estimating the risk of asset failure. However, water utility consumers are not necessarily affected when assets fail since utilities take action to minimise disruption. Recent WRc research (CP435) has taken applied risk assessment methods a step further by translating probability of asset failure into probability of service failure using event tree analysis. To obtain a meaningful value of risk of service failure, this approach must be integrated with qualitative and quantitative consequence modelling techniques to demonstrate to Ofwat that risk of service failure - and hence the impact on end-consumers - is at the heart of water utility business planning.
Following the successful delivery of two collaborative research projects on operational risk management; the objective of this project is to further develop the methodology and application of consequence modelling, to complete the understanding of risk of service failure.
• Improved visibility of compliance with Ofwat's risk-based business plan assessment.• Improved methodology for the evaluation of business case benefits (e.g. operational risk
reduction) leading to the implementation of most cost-beneficial options.• Improved capability for modelling what-if scenarios (such as changes to pro-active measures,
event response, company policy) and their impact on risk of service failure.• Improved retrospective failure event analysis.
1. Linking consequences of service failure to asset failure.2. Improving consequence valuation: development of simple but defensible quantitative
consequence models for four agreed service failure types (e.g. loss of supply), plus guidance andinformation to assist individuals to develop further consequence models.
3. Applying risk of service failure to business planning: Use of case studies to demonstrate the useof the full risk assessment procedure for business planning purposes.
An induction seminar will be offered to new participants who did not take part in CP435.
• A methodology report including tabulated consequence models.• A spreadsheet illustrating case studies and risk assessment examples using developed
consequence models.
• Towards Integrated Distribution Management: Fault Trees and Event Trees, CP435, 2011.• Towards Integrated Distribution Management: Common Approach to Risk, CP399, 2011.• Sewerage Risk Management, CP309, 2008.• Distribution Operation and Maintenance Strategy, CP322, 2007.• Development of Service Risk Impact Matrices, 2006.
CP463True Consequences of Asset Failureon Service in Distribution
6
PRICE£14,500
DURATION9 Months
WRc CONTACTMrs Jo Hulance
TELEPHONE+44 (0) 1793 865068
TOPIC AREAAsset Management
Index
Project Appreciation and Objectives
Benefits to Clients
Work Programme
Project Output
Related Work
Service reservoirs are a critical part of the infrastructure for the supply of safe drinking water. Loss of integrity may lead to leakage and/or ingress and contamination. Due to the importance of reservoir infra-structure reliability, regular inspection is required which can be disruptive and costly.
Current approaches may involve a drop test, or require the reservoir to be taken out of service for man entry and visual inspection, or a remotely operated vehicle may be used while the reservoir remains in service. These approaches require careful planning, can be difficult to implement, and are costly or limited in the quantity and quality of information they provide. There is a need for improved techniques to assess service reservoir integrity.
Possible methods, include: discrete or linear hydrophone technology for leak detection; permanently installed structural condition monitoring; 3D scanning sonar and radar; ground probing radar; microwave aquametery and time domain reflectometry; and novel approaches to gas and water tracing. This two phase project will:
• Identify and evaluate new and alternative solutions used by other sectors, for service reservoirinspection which meet the industry's current and future needs.
• Independently validate selected techniques, identify implementation routes, and define shortterm benefits and further development needs.
• Reduced risk of asset failure through the ability to undertake quicker, lower cost, more frequentinspection.
• Reduced disruption to supply through the use of technologies which do not require the servicereservoir to be taken out of service.
• Informed decision making on future approaches to service reservoir inspection.
The work programme is divided into two phases:
Phase 1: Review the regulatory requirements, current approaches and techniques for service reservoir inspection. Define the monitoring requirements and undertake a desk-based technical review of potential new techniques.
Phase 2: By agreement, validate those techniques identified as most achievable and cost-beneficial using a combination of laboratory testing and site trials.
• Phase 1 - A technical requirements specification for service reservoir inspection and a review ofpotential new techniques with recommendations for Phase 2 actions.
• Phase 2 - Results of the testing work, defined strategies for implementation andrecommendations for further work that may be required for full benefits realisation (e.g. training ordesign modifications).
WRc has undertaken a number of projects on optimising, repair and maintenance of service reservoirs and produced manuals on condition grading of structures for asset management purposes. Monitoring and technology projects of specific interest are:
• Portfolio project developing new methods for the inspection of sewage rising mains, CP371(2009 - 2011).
• The WRc Instrument User Group, CP378 (2008 - 2011).
CP464New Methods for ServiceReservoir Inspection
7
PRICE£19,500
DURATION14 Months
WRc CONTACTDr Leo Carswell
TELEPHONE+44 (0) 1793 865131
TOPIC AREAWater Distribution
Index
Project Appreciation and Objectives
Benefits to Clients
Work Programme
Project Output
Related Work
Trunk mains are essential for the water supply of large numbers of customers. Beyond this basic importance, some trunk mains are classed as critical where they run close to or beneath major transport routes or supply hospitals or schools.
Many trunk mains monitoring protocols are based on periodic surveys; for example the use of free swimming or tethered hydrophones, depending on the interval between surveys significant deterioration and water loss might occur before deterioration is detected. This demonstrates that continuous monitoring has significant advantages.
Since the 1990s fibre optics have been known to function as distributed hydrophones. Recent advances (mostly in the oil sector) have improved spatial resolution and sensitivity such that it could be suitable for a permanent leak detection system on pressurised pipes. The fibre optic cable may also be used for communications, either directly benefiting the water company or generating revenue from a third party.
This project will assess this opportunity by investigating:
• How this technology compares with other systems and technologies.• The economics and practicalities of installing, and leaving, fibre optic cables in water mains.• The accuracy and costs of light signal generation and processing equipment for leak detection.• How and where companies might install fibre optic cables for greatest benefit.
• Ability to make informed decisions on installing and investing in emerging technologies with lowrisk.
• Targeted investment to maximise the direct and indirect benefits from use of fibre optics in watermains.
1. Evaluation of fibre optics for leak detection and location and comparison of accuracy andeffectiveness with other techniques.
2. Technical assessment of installation, operating valves, cable materials, pipeline maintenance,etc.
3. Economic investigation of operating and installation costs and payback from rental of optic fibrebandwidth.
4. Cost-effective comparison of the differing techniques with reporting of the results andrecommendations.
• A report containing detailed evaluation of the techniques, with a focus on the application of fibreoptics.
• Cost-effective analysis with recommendations for where companies could best invest.
• WRc developed the Sahara trunk mains leakage service and has unrivalled knowledge andunderstanding of trunk mains leakage and deployment of cables in live mains in the UK.
• Development of protocols for the installation of fibre optics in water mains, and their commercialexploitation through a JV established in 2001.
• Investigations and evaluation of the deployment of fibre optics in sewers (1995).
CP465Fibre Optics for Trunk MainsLeak Detection and Location
8
PRICE£11,000
DURATION8 Months
WRc CONTACTMr Steve Russell
TELEPHONE+44 (0) 1793 865011
TOPIC AREALeak Detection
Index
Project Appreciation and Objectives
Benefits to Clients
Work Programme
Project Output
Related Work
Emergency events arise in water treatment and distribution that can compromise security of supply and water quality, e.g. short-term deterioration of raw water quality, power failure, instrument and equipment failure. Water companies have equipment available to deal with such events but, as emergency events are relatively infrequent, it is likely that fitness-for-purpose and performance of some of this equipment will not have been fully evaluated. Reliability may also be an issue where equipment has been stored for long periods, particularly where maintenance during storage has been inadequate.
This project will provide expert guidance to enable water companies to have in place appropriate technologies for emergency events to meet regulatory requirements with minimum disruption.
• Improved technical capability to deal efficiently with emergency events to maintain supply andavoid regulatory failures.
• Improved specification and selection of equipment and cost savings resulting from sharing ofequipment where feasible.
• Demonstrate to regulators a proactive approach to emergency events through risk assessmentsand Drinking Water Safety Plans (DWSPs).
1. Review actual and potential emergency events identifying the causes, impacts on water supplyand quality, treatment needs and mitigation options.
2. Review equipment used in emergency events including type, manufacturer/supplier, size,portability, availability, performance and cost data, and assess the feasibility of sharingemergency equipment.
3. Evaluate the implementation and performance of equipment used to mitigate emergency events.4. Review guidance and regulatory issues relating to the emergency use of equipment and
products.5. Characterise emergency events by a risk assessment frequency/consequence approach that
can be incorporated into DWSPs and emergency procedures.
A final report providing expert guidance including:
• A listing of emergency events identifying consequences to water supply matched by treatmentneeds and a list of mitigation options, supported by a spread-sheet-based database ofequipment and manufacturers/suppliers.
• Characterisation of emergency events using a risk assessment frequency/consequenceapproach to update DWSPs and emergency procedures.
• Control of Cryptosporidium (risk assessment, membrane filtration, UV), UK water utilities andregulators, 2001-present.
• Disinfection best practice (reviews and implementation of chlorination, chloramination and UV),various UK water utilities, 2005-present.
• Long established capability and experience in control of algal problems and T&O complaints.
CP466Planning for EmergencyEvents in Water Supply
PRICE£10,450
DURATION7 Months
WRc CONTACTDr Tom Hall
TELEPHONE+44 (0) 1793 865065
TOPIC AREAWater Treatment
9
Index
Project Appreciation and Objectives
Benefits to Clients
Work Programme
Project Output
Related Work
Responsibility for gravity sewers and laterals connecting to the public sewer system, transferred to stwater and sewerage companies in England and Wales on 1 October 2011, and pumping stations,
stwill transfer over the period to 1 October 2016. It has been estimated that between 20,000 and 30,000 pumping stations will transfer, but numbers are highly uncertain and the locations are not all known. To make a business case for any essential upgrading work to these pumping stations, water and sewerage companies must first locate and establish the condition of these assets.
The first and most urgent task is to locate the pumping stations that will transfer. From WRc's previous work on private pumping stations we have identified the following relevant factors;
• Pumping stations are more common in recent developments.• Pumping stations are often provided in locations where gravity draining is feasible, but where
land ownership issues made a pumping station preferable for the developer.
WRc have identified a number of rules that could be applied to base data using geographical information system (GIS) analysis techniques in order to identify the locations where private pumping stations are most likely to be found.
The objective of this project is to establish the data requirements, and a cost effective methodology, for the identification of locations where there is a high likelihood of there being a private pumping station.
• Robust estimates of the numbers of pumping stations will allow sample condition surveys toprovide a strong evidence base for the expected cost for use in business plan submissions.
• Sharing development costs with other equivalent organisations, evaluation of a wider range ofcatchments and use of wider range of data sources.
1. Draft methodology and data questionnaire.2. Identify pilot catchments.3. Preliminary data collection and analysis.4. Review initial results and revise methodology if necessary.5. Final data collection and analysis.6. Reporting and Dissemination.
• The project output will be a data specification and a methodology for the identification of likelyareas for the locations of private pumping stations. The data specification will include a cost andbenefit assessment for each dataset.
• Minimum serviceability level for transferred Pumping Stations, UKWIR. 2010- 2011.• CP312: Predisposition of properties to flooding.• Estimation of lengths of private sewer and lateral drains.
CP460Locating PrivatePumping Stations
PRICE£14,950
DURATION7 Months
WRc CONTACTMr Nick Orman
TELEPHONE+44 (0) 1793 865117
TOPIC AREASewerage
10
Index
Project Appreciation and Objectives
Benefits to Clients
Work Programme
Project Output
Related Work
Water companies face difficulties when dealing with the aftermath of sewage flooding. In 2005, WRc developed a model to assess risks from pathogenic organisms after sewage flooding in domestic properties. This model allows water companies to estimate the risks, define appropriate remedial measures and provide informed guidance for those affected by sewage flooding; however, its application is limited, as it does not take account of recent developments, and does not include risks from chemicals that may also be present.
In addition, the model did not cover in depth the risks to both livestock and crops affected by sewage flooding. In the absence of a proper risk assessment, the Advisory Committee on the Microbiological Safety of Food (ACMSF) has had to adopt a very precautionary approach in its advice on the duration of cropping restrictions, and farmers have expressed concerns on illness in their livestock.
Discussion with the National Flood School (NFS) has also identified the lack of effective practical guidance for appropriate remedial action where properties and their contents have been affected. As a consequence, the NFS has witnessed escalating claims for compensation, with settlements becoming increasingly protracted and more costly for water companies and insurance companies.
The purpose of this study is to provide water companies with improved and updated guidance for responding in a consistent, effective and proportionate manner to a wider range of flooding incidents.
• Authoritative guidance for water companies to reassure those affected when their health, or thehealth of livestock, is not at risk.
• Robust evidence on the risks to resolve compensation claims in a timely and cost effectivemanner.
1. Development of a comprehensive and fully revised model for assessing the risks from a widerange of flooding incidents.
2. Consultation with interested parties such as The National Flood School, The Food StandardsAgency and the Health Protection Agency and The National Farmers Union.
3. Guidance development in collaboration with the participants.
• Effective guidance for responding to incidents.• Manual of good practice for remedial treatment of properties to mitigate risks from pathogenic
organisms.• The risk assessment model and supporting documentation.
• A previous Portfolio project to develop the model for conducting the sewage flooding riskassessment.
• Providing the independent advisory service on the health significance of micro-organisms indrinking water.
• A risk assessment of verotoxigenic E. coli in public and private water supplies (with the Universityof East Anglia).
CP467Defining and Managing Health Risksfrom Sewage Flooding
PRICE£15,000
DURATION12 Months
WRc CONTACTMr Robert Pitchers
TELEPHONE+44 (0) 1793 865141
TOPIC AREASewerage
11
Index
Project Appreciation and Objectives
Benefits to Clients
Work Programme
Project Output
Related Work
There were approximately 220,000 blockages in UK sewerage undertakers' sewers in the year ending March 2011. Many of these incidents led to internal property flooding or external flooding.
Research has identified that good blockage clearing practice leads to reductions in repeat blockages; improvements have not always been sustained and poor practice by contractors working for householders can also lead to blockages being passed downstream into the public sewer system.
Poor practice blockage clearance carried out close to buildings runs the risk of internal flooding of the building, especially when it is not possible to work from a downstream manhole when using jetting equipment. The recent transfer of responsibility to the sewerage undertakers for many small sewers and lateral drains includes the transfer of this risk if good practice is not applied.
The introduction of the Service Incentive Mechanism (SIM) has given greater weight to the need to 'get it right first time' and to minimise impact on customers. Good practice to avoid repeat visits is now more vital than ever. This project will:
• Identify the most effective blockage clearance practices.• Develop effective good practice guidance, for management, supervisors and operatives involved
in blockage clearance.
• Improved operatives competency. This will include clearance practice on small diameter systems.• Consistent response and approach to blockage clearance. • Improved regulatory performance and relationship with customers.
1. Scoping and review of current practices, including discussions with contractors and equipmentmanufacturers.
2. Rodding and blockage clearance field assessments.3. Developing recommended practice and production of guidance.4. Reporting and end of project dissemination seminar.
• A Blockage Clearance and Sewer Cleaning Code of Practice.• A short video to explain the recommended practices and a quick reference guide, both aimed at
blockage clearance crews.• A project report explaining the recommended practices and the reasons for these
recommendations. This is aimed at operations managers and their contracting partners. • A dissemination workshop.
• Dealing with Sewer Blockages (1993 -1995).nd• Sewer Jetting, Code of Practice 2 Edition (2005 - 2006).
• Understanding Blockages: in Small Diameter Pipes (2005 - 2007); and in Typical Section 24Sewers (2006 - 2007).
• Fats Oils and Greases (2005 - 2009) and Flushable Products (2006 - ongoing).• Reduced Water Usage on Sewer Solids Movement (2009).
CP468Sewer Blockage Clearance - Good Practice Guide
PRICE£15,350
DURATION11 Months
WRc CONTACTMr Andy Drinkwater
TELEPHONE+44 (0) 1793 865048
TOPIC AREASewerage
12
Index
Project Appreciation and Objectives
Benefits to Clients
Work Programme
Project Output
Related Work
Traditional construction techniques are subject to risk due to the weather, involve mixing materials in difficult locations and can be wasteful. Existing standards are written around bespoke traditional construction and hence can be a barrier to the adoption of new technology.
Modular construction is used more often on the continent than the UK although products are starting to emerge in the UK sewerage sector. Claimed benefits include:
• Higher productivity.• Lower overall installed cost and carbon emissions.• Less construction risk from adverse weather conditions, reduced traffic management and
potentially less health and safety risk.• Higher quality control.
This project will identify which sewerage elements could benefit from modular construction and identify barriers to its introduction. This could include sewers, pumping stations, CSOs, tanks, packaged treatment plants, separators, etc.
The objectives of the project are to:
• Provide water company participants with the necessary information to fully understand thepotential advantages, limitations and savings (both cost and time) of utilising modularconstruction.
• Identify the products and materials which are currently available for modular construction ofsewerage elements.
• Identify barriers to introducing modular construction for sewerage elements and reviewopportunities to mitigate these.
• Ability to mitigate barriers to introducing modular construction and realise the potential tominimise capital expenditure, carbon emissions and risk from informed implementation on thosesewerage elements that could be undertaken more effectively by use of modular construction.
1. Review sewerage elements that participants are currently using, or are planning to use, and whatproducts/materials are available.
2. Identify the true cost benefits of modular construction.3. Conduct site visits to audit performance of modular construction products and traditional
construction techniques.4. Identify where modular construction would provide early and best opportunities.5. Identify barriers to implementation and revisions to standards that will be required to introduce
this technology.
• A report reviewing opportunities for using modular construction for key elements of the seweragesystem including comprehensive details on the potential advantages, limitations and (capitalcost/carbon emission) savings, together mitigating actions to remove the barriers to itsimplementation.
• CP373a Street Ironworks - Cost Effective Management Phase 2.th• Civil Engineering Specification for the Water Industry 7 Edition (CESWI), 2011.
• WRc Approved™ Scheme 'fit-for-purpose' certification of sewerage products.
CP469Piecing Together the Benefits ofModular Construction in Sewerage
PRICE£13,250
DURATION9 Months
WRc CONTACTDr Andy Russell
TELEPHONE+44 (0) 1793 865130
TOPIC AREASewerage
13
Index
Project Appreciation and Objectives
Benefits to Clients
Work Programme
Project Output
Related Work
As the UK endeavours to meet its obligations for renewable sources of energy, reduction of greenhouse gases and landfill diversion targets, an increasing range of wastes are being treated using anaerobic digestion. Many of the resultant digestates will be suitable for recycling to agricultural land; creating a competitive threat for the wastewater industry, where such recycling is a critical route for the disposal of sludge biosolids from wastewater treatment. To maintain and secure this route it will be necessary to minimise negative impacts from recycling biosolids to agricultural land.
Odour generated from sludge biosolids storage and recycling to land has resulted in complaints and bans at some locations. The wastewater industry needs to have a robust understanding of the root causes of odour generation so that they can manage the cycle of sludge production, recycle effectively and be in a position to take appropriate up-front mitigation action to prevent odours. This project will define and develop the scientific building blocks, specific conditions/sets of circumstances that lead to increased odour at all stages of the production and recycling of biosolids. This includes storage and application of the biosolids to land.
The objectives of the project are to:
• Define and fully understand the circumstances that lead to odour issues from recycling biosolidsto agricultural land.
• Identify mitigation options for minimising odour emissions and provide clear guidance on theirimplementation.
• Reduced incidence of complaints resulting from odour generation from sludge biosolidsrecycling.
• Improved image of sludge biosolids within the rural and agricultural community to enablecontinued and secure long-term use of agricultural land in the face of competition from otherwaste management companies.
1. Review knowledge on factors that affect odour emissions from recycling biosolids to agriculture.Root-cause analysis to understand the science behind main “building blocks” that cause odour.
2. Investigate chemical signatures present in odours from biosolids that are known to cause odourissues. Investigate factors that cause odour problems and can be reliably linked to biosolids.
3. Identify mitigation options to minimise odours. Develop spreadsheet tool to identify site specificodour issues and produce good practice factsheets.
• A report containing a thorough understanding of the causes of odour emissions from recyclingbiosolids to agriculture, a spreadsheet decision tool to estimate the risk of significant odourarising from biosolids recycling; and factsheets with guidance on minimising the risk of odourproblems.
• “Reducing Odours from Sludge” (CP149) project which developed a method to measure theodour potential of biosolids and odour emission models for mechanically handling biosolids.
• Review of the agronomic and environmental impacts of a diverse range of organic wastes toagricultural land.
• Odour investigations and environmental impact assessments (EIAs) regarding biosolids.
CP470Minimising Odour from BiosolidsRecycling to Agricultural Land
PRICE£18,470
DURATION12 Months
WRc CONTACTMr David Sivil
TELEPHONE+44 (0) 1793 865134
TOPIC AREAWaste & Wastewater
14
Index
Project Appreciation and Objectives
Benefits to Clients
Work Programme
Project Output
Related Work
The UK Environment Agency Water Sector Plans require the water industry to 'minimise the production of, and manage wastes from operational activities in line with evolving best practice'. A significant quantity of waste generated during drinking water production is landfilled. This represents a substantial cost to the business, is additional to the cost of treatment chemicals, and which involves the discard of a potentially valuable resource. Recycling of these residues would improve operational sustainability and reduce costs, but this would require effective sustainable alternative outlets to be identified.
This project will build on previous work to develop robust information on the technical and economic feasibility of resource recovery. It will:
• Produce a national characterisation data set of the key properties of different types of residues.• Identify recycling options which offer the greatest potential for single, 'blended' or amended waste
streams and pursue further research into the most favourable options.• Determine the viability and security of identified recycling options.
• Increased level of operational and environmental sustainability through adoption of recyclingopportunities that avoid increases or reduce OPEX costs.
• Access to local, cost effective solutions for recycling of WTW residues so that they become abusiness opportunity rather than a cost.
1. Collate and define key characteristics to produce a national dataset and residue fingerprint,identifying the impacts of process and other contributory factors on residue variability, and matchresidue characteristics with recycling opportunities.
2. Undertake an options appraisal using a step-wise screening approach to produce an overview ofWTW residue recycling options currently in use within and outside the UK.
3. Complete a detailed evaluation of prioritised options, including capital and operating costs andeconomic viability.
4. Report and provide recommendation on viable recycling solutions.
• Excel dataset for WTW residue characterisation and evaluation matrix for the UK withconsolidated data and evidence report.
• Report detailing viable recycling options, with economic assessment and identification of bestavailable options for exploitation with recommendations for trials to gather evidence for low riskoption uptake.
• Consultancy support to the water industry on water treatment and waste recycling for over 25years.
• A Review of options for the treatment and disposal of water company waste residues (ThamesWater Landfill Tax Committee).
• Characterisation of water treatment works residues (UK water company). • Novel methods for the treatment and disposal of waterworks sludge (various UK water
companies).• The future of industry waste streams (UKWIR). • Economic assessment of management options for wastewater treatment wastes (UKWIR).
CP471A Move Toward Zero Waste - Recycling Optionsfor Water Treatment Work Residues
PRICE£14,540
DURATION12 Months
WRc CONTACTMrs Jane Turrell
TELEPHONE+44 (0) 1793 865176
TOPIC AREAWater Treatment Waste
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Index
Project Appreciation and Objectives
Benefits to Clients
Work Programme
Project Output
Related Work
The difficulty in assessing the maximum screenings and grit production rates requires very conservative specifications to be adopted for the design of screens, grit removal plant, and washer/dewatering (compaction) equipment to minimise the risk of overloading. Yet many downstream wastewater and sludge treatment problems at existing wastewater treatment works are caused by inefficient and overloaded screens and grit removal equipment.
More reliable and catchment/sewer specific information on screenings and grit production would enable optimal design and more reliable operation of screens, grit removal equipment and downstream washer/dewatering equipment. This project will:
• Develop a methodology for catchment characterisation to improve both the design of new inletworks and management of existing sewer networks and inlet works.
• Derive maximum hourly production rates of screenings and grit at existing inlet works.• Evaluate design criteria for catchment characteristics on grit and screenings production.
• Improved understanding of key catchment factors that influence screenings and grit production.• More efficient designs for screens, grit removal and washing/dewatering of screenings and grit.• Less risk of occurrences of grit and screenings overloading and impaired works' performance.• More cost-effective operation of inlet works, fewer call-outs to clear blockages and improved opex
forecasting.• Better targeting of capex costs to deliver more cost-effective inlet works solutions.
1. Review current evidence on how screenings and grit production is affected by both catchment factors such as, sewer gradient, in-sewer storage, syphons, and pumping stations and impact ofcampaigns such as 'bag it and bin it'.
2. Examine how screenings and grit production vary during the first foul flush under storm flowconditions at twelve sites and how this impacts on the methods currently available for screeningsand grit removal.
3. Develop a model to correlate catchment factors with screenings and sewer grit production alongwith evaluation of options where improvement to the catchment could be made to influence theirproduction.
• Guidance on screenings and grit production and key factors that affect production.• Methodologies to evaluate maximum screenings and grit production during the first foul flush.• Simple model for estimating screenings and grit production depending on catchment
characteristics.• Options to improve performance of existing screens and grit removal installations.
• UPM (Urban Pollution Management) research and development and consultancy projects for thewater industry for over 20 years.
• Sustainable recycling of sewer grits, Portfolio project CP442.• The future of Industry Waste Streams, UKWIR, 2006.
CP472Catchment based Sewer Grits andScreenings Management
PRICE£19,500
DURATION12 Months
WRc CONTACTMr Tony Dee
TELEPHONE+44 (0) 1793 865042
TOPIC AREAWaste & Wastewater
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Index
Project Appreciation and Objectives
Benefits to Clients
Work Programme
Project Output
Related Work
Water companies are becoming more reliant on telemetry and this is increasing the need to ensure adequate levels of data quality. Ofwat also requires water companies to make better use of real-time telemetry data and to demonstrate that they understand the uncertainty in the quality of data. Current trends to increase real-time visibility of assets and make greater use of advanced data-driven technologies will further highlight the need to tackle data quality; however, the sheer scale and complexity of water industry telemetry systems present a significant data quality challenge.
Portfolio project CP401 A Framework for Improving Telemetry Data Quality confirmed that poor quality data are a concern for all companies. In many cases, senior management are unaware or unsure of the real impacts of poor telemetry data and the investment required to address this.
This project will build on CP401 to provide practical guidance to implement targeted improvements in telemetry data quality.
• Informed business strategy and targeted investment.• Leverage more value from data to improve performance and reliability of operational tools and
achieve more effective decision making.• Provide a data quality management health check.• Demonstrate to regulators and auditors that sound principles and good practice have been
applied to ensure that data is fit for purpose.
1. Develop a generic end-to-end telemetry system model (data, technology and processes).2. Review the model and identify weak links in the data chain that can impact data quality, obtain
consensus on the priority areas to be investigated in more detail; e.g. risk based maintenanceprioritisation, configuration change control, automatic anomaly detection, dealing with missing oruncertain data and active quality management and monitoring.
3. Assess specific data quality and businesses impacts, and identify root causes.4. Determine necessary improvement actions and develop a business case and implementation
plan for each area.5. Disseminate and discuss the findings and best practice guidance for implementation.
• Documented generic system model and potential sources of data quality problems.• Documented findings and best practice guidance on the data quality improvement actions for
agreed areas, business cases and implementation plans.
• A Framework for Improving Telemetry Data Quality, CP401, 2010/11.• Improving AMA through Data Quality, CP419, 2010/11.• Water Industry Alarm Systems Improvement Group, CP321a, 2009 to date.• Creating Value from Data, CP381, 2009.• UKWIR project WW21 on Data Flagging for Sewage Treatment Works Flows, 2008.• Real Time Data for Asset Management, CP295, 2006/7.
CP473Practical Guidance to ImproveTelemetry Data Quality
PRICE£9,500
DURATION8 Months
WRc CONTACTMr John Brown
TELEPHONE+44 (0) 1793 865016
TOPIC AREAData Management
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Index
Project Appreciation and Objectives
Benefits to Clients
Work Programme
Project Output
Related Work
The relationship between water companies and their customers is evolving. Through its Service Incentive Mechanism (SIM) Ofwat is encouraging water companies to embed customer service into all aspects of its operations.
Generally, beyond paying bills, customers do not have frequent contact with their water company. When customers do make contact it is usually to report poor service provision and they mostly do this by telephone or by written letters. In recent years electronic communication, either via a web site or through social networking technology such as facebook, twitter and 'apps', has provided the means for more innovative communication channels.
This is coupled with a massive shift in the information that is available to customers on water company web sites, with many including examples of map-based near real-time data provision. In addition customers 'self-serve' functionality has proved very successful. In such a rapidly evolving landscape it is hard to keep up with what works well and what does not.
The objectives of this project are to:
• Review the functionality available to customers of different water companies.• Record lessons learnt from customer engagement activities.• Develop a good practice guide for customer interaction.
• Understand the business impact of different approaches to customer interaction through digitalmedia.
• Learn from others the success criteria for implementing different customer interaction channels.• Chose customer engagement approaches that positively influence the SIM score.• Reduce the risk in failing to meet regulatory requirements.
1. Establish applicable customer interaction methods undertaken by water companies.2. Review approaches to customer interaction in UK water industry and other service industries.3. Produce state of the industry review.4. Produce Good Practice Report.
WRc will partner with MVA in all project tasks. MVA works with the water industry, government departments, regulatory bodies and customer representatives to improve communication with consumers and to identify customer priorities for service improvements.
• State of the industry review. A summary of customer interaction methods currently employed inthe UK water industry and other service industries.
• Good practice report. A collation of experiences from implementing customer interaction methodsacross the UK water industry highlighting success criteria and learning points.
• CP434 - SIM, Understanding the impact of interventions.• CP024 - Geographical Information Users Group (WRc).• Review of SIM qualitative component scores for UK WOC (WRc).• Evaluation of Water Company Notices on the Transfer of Private Sewers (CCWater) (MVA).• Customer Experience Research (Two-year project on behalf of WaSC) (MVA).
CP474Better Day-to-DayCustomer Interaction
PRICE£10,950
DURATION6 Months
WRc CONTACTMr Ian Dawes
TELEPHONE+44 (0) 1793 865165
TOPIC AREAData and Information
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Index
Project Appreciation and Objectives
Benefits to Clients
Work Programme
Project Output
Related Work
The role of hydraulic models in water companies is evolving. Traditionally hydraulic models have been used for off-line strategic network planning activities; however, as real-time control becomes feasible, all network, highly calibrated hydraulic models are becoming a key component of more dynamic, real-time decision support tools.
Real-time data can now be used for calibrating models and facilitating predictive modelling. However, for this approach to be fully effective, and for companies to realise the full potential and benefits, changes to the asset inventory need to be reflected in the hydraulic model in near real-time. This requires careful integration of a number of separate activities.
Currently, companies extract data from their GIS Asset Inventory into hydraulic modelling packages. Hydraulic models are then developed by specialist teams. There is therefore an inherent gap between hydraulic models and the asset inventory. This project will:
• Define the role of the hydraulic model in a real-time environment.• Develop a framework to manage the data flows in order to maintain and calibrate hydraulic
models and to ensure that data are collected to the quality that the new role demands.• Apply the approach to both water and wastewater hydraulic modelling.
• Consistent approach across the business through use of a management framework to enablethe further evolution of hydraulic models for real-time control to increase efficiency and achieve cost reductions.
• Improved confidence in model outputs for use in real-time analyses to improve operation, reducereaction times and become more proactive in network management.
• Have a clear definition of the role and benefits of both water and wastewater hydraulic models incompany operations to guide capital investment in modelling.
1. Document a high-level modelling process and identify current modelling approaches.2. Document a detailed modelling process.3. Confirm current modelling approaches.4. Produce illustrations of operational uses and benefits.
• Process maps highlighting data requirements for real-time hydraulic modelling.• Summary of current modelling approaches.• Management framework to ensure real-time modelling process can be implemented and the
benefits realised. • Illustrations of operational uses and benefits.
• CP381 - Creating Value from Data - asset inventory data governance framework.• CP419 - Improving AMA through Data Quality.• CP401 - A Framework for Improving Telemetry Data Quality.• UKWIR - A Framework for Undertaking Catchment Management.
CP475A Structured Approach toHydraulic Model Maintenance
PRICE£14,990
DURATION7 Months
WRc CONTACTMr Ian Dawes
TELEPHONE+44 (0) 1793 865165
TOPIC AREAData & Info Mgt.
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Index
Project Appreciation and Objectives
Benefits to Clients
Work Programme
Project Output
Related Work
Since its inception in 2000, the Geographical Information User Group (GIUG) has provided participants with a much valued forum to keep abreast of, and maximise value from the incredible developments in Geographical Information Systems and related technology.
We are in exciting times for Geographical Information (GI) in the water industry with many new initiatives that will raise its profile. The Defra Catchment Management initiative; the advances in real time decision support tools and ecosystem services for PR14, are likely to change the requirements for spatial data in the UK water industry.
The key power of the GIUG lies in the unique gathering of experts, every quarter, to investigate shared business problems with spatial elements - this accounts for up to 80% of all business information!
• Identify how to use geographic data to derive genuine business benefit.• Adopt best practice in geographical information and related technology.• Cost-effectively assess vendor products, through peer review.• Understand how industry peers are managing changes to the spatial information requirement.
1. Workshops, chaired by Keith Allen, Wide World Systems, will be held each quarter. Prior toselected meetings, brief questionnaires will be circulated to participants to gather data and otherrelevant information. A digest of findings and key issues will be disseminated ahead of eachworkshop.
2. Vendors of carefully selected products and services will be invited to give demonstrations atworkshops, as and when appropriate.
3. An archive of questionnaires, presentations and summary reports will be provided on a dedicated web-site.
• Quarterly workshops.• Summary position papers.• Web-based meeting archive.
• GIUG collaborative programme since 2000.
CP024Geographical InformationUser Group 2012-14
PRICE£4,200
DURATION2 Years
WRc CONTACTMr Ian Dawes
TELEPHONE+44 (0) 1793 865165
TOPIC AREAData & Information
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Index
Project Appreciation and Objectives
Benefits to Clients
The Instrument User Group (IUG) has become an established forum to share knowledge and experience on instrumentation-related issues to improve understanding and further the effective use of instrumentation within the water sector.
The Group, which is run by WRc and membership is open to all UK Water Companies, provides a framework to bring water company users together to exchange information and develop common interests, through an independently facilitated group covering all forms of water industry instrumentation, including analytical and physical measurement as well as flow measurement in potable water and wastewaters.
• A forum for sharing information on instrument use, practical problems and solutions.• Identification of common instrument testing and evaluation needs, leading to opportunities to
collaborate in instrument testing and evaluation.• An opportunity to see at first hand water company sites and installed instrumentation.• Enabling participants to keep abreast of new products and developments from researchers and
vendors in an expert forum which allows for discussion of the benefits and limitations oftechnologies and where collaborative testing/research is beneficial.
• A mechanism for highlighting gaps in knowledge or available technology, for proposing or seekingsolutions, and identifying the changing needs of the industry, for example in response to changesin regulation.
CP378Instrument User Group - Sharing Knowledgeand Experience (2012-2013)
PRICE£3,500
EXPECTED DELIVERYAnnual Membership
WRc CONTACTDr Leo Carswell
TELEPHONE+44 (0) 1793 865131
TOPIC AREAInstrumentation
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Project Appreciation and Objectives
Benefits to Clients
During 2011/12 the focus for the Disinfection Forum was the production of a Ct toolbox, with 16 participating Water Companies. This is helping companies develop and implement a robust chlorination Ct policy, strengthened by a common approach and shared knowledge, to provide greater confidence that public health is not being placed at undue risk. It establishes a strong evidence base for validating disinfection conditions to meet regulatory requirements, demonstrating due diligence through a consolidated approach. In 2012/13 the Disinfection Forum will continue to address Ct policy and implementation, but will also cover disinfection more broadly, providing an opportunity for sharing of issues, problems and solutions. This will include, for example, implementation of UV disinfection to meet DWI Guidance, use of other disinfectants such as chlorine dioxide, and consideration of disinfection by-products within the regulatory framework.
• Continuous improvement to disinfection practice through sharing of knowledge and experience.• Development of a common approach and evidence base to inform and present a consolidated
approach for disinfection policy to DWI.• Early identification of emerging issues and an opportunity to influence and steer research to
resolve them.
CP404b
Disinfection ForumWater Treatment
PRICE£5,500
EXPECTED DELIVERYAnnual Membership
WRc CONTACTDr Tom Hall
TELEPHONE+44 (0) 1793 865065
TOPIC AREAWater Treatment
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PRICE£11,000
EXPECTED DELIVERYSeptember 12
WRc CONTACTMr Andy Godley
TELEPHONE+44 (0) 1793 865060
TOPIC AREAMetering
CP448HouseholdMeter Location
Project Appreciation and Objectives
Benefits to Clients
There are three options for the location of revenue meters: within the property, in an external (boundary) box or in a wall mounted box. Each location has advantages and limitations. Most companies now have policies on location for this AMP. Recent and emerging issues such as the performance of box covers, freezing of meters, increasing use of automatic meter reading (AMR) and changing requirements on street works, together with the introduction of smart meters challenge the conventional assumptions and mean that it is timely to put an evidence-based framework in place for future policies.
This project will:
• Develop a cost benefit framework and a Good Practice Guide which identifies the keyconsiderations for installers, including self-lay operators and contractors.
• Evidence against which to make future decisions affecting household meter location.• Good practice guidance that can be shared with developers and SLOs to avoid future
performance problems associated with each location.
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PRICE£16,650
EXPECTED DELIVERYSeptember 12
WRc CONTACTDr Tom Hall
TELEPHONE+44 (0) 1793 865065
TOPIC AREAWater Treatment
CP450Climate Change, Algal Growth andManagement of Water Supply
Project Appreciation and Objectives
Benefits to Clients
Algal blooms in raw water sources can cause severe problems in water treatment and supply through physical and chemical disruption of treatment processes, increased chlorinationby-products, and the formation of cyanotoxins and taste and odour compounds. Water companies need to ensure that effective treatment is in place to deal with algae, and manage reservoirs to reduce the potential for algal blooms.
Climate change may increase treatment problems in the future because of a higher frequency of problem algal blooms and changes to types of algae which cause greater treatment problems.
The objective of this work is to provide a decision support process for the planning of programmes aimed at reducing algal problems in the most cost-effective way, taking into account potential future frequency of algal problems, technologies for minimising algal blooms, and treatment implications.
The work will be carried out in collaboration with the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (CEH), Lancaster, to provide supporting expertise on algal growth and the influence of weather patterns.
• A detailed understanding of current and future localised algal risks.• Prioritisation and phasing of schemes for management of algal problems, identifying cost
effective mitigation measures.• Greater confidence in dealing with regulators in relation to algal impacts on water treatment and
drinking water quality.
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Index
PRICE£16,300
EXPECTED DELIVERYNovember 12
WRc CONTACTDr Andy Russell
TELEPHONE+44 (0) 1793 865130
TOPIC AREASewerage
CP451Rising Mains:To Replace or to Renovate?
Project Appreciation and Objectives
Benefits to Clients
Rising mains have the highest failure rate per unit length of any type of water industry pipeline asset. Rising mains failures always cause loss of service and can result in pollution of receiving waters or sewer flooding.
Recent developments in-lining techniques have greatly increased their installation productivity and the duration that a rising main would need to be out of service is decreasing. These innovative techniques are therefore becoming a more attractive and potentially a much cheaper option than conventional techniques.
This project will:
• Identify the specific factors which influence the decision on whether to replace or renovate.• Inform participants on the remediation options available for rising mains.• Develop a technique selection tool.
• The project will inform WaSCs on whether rising main lining products at (or close to) market are“fit-for-purpose”.
• Determine which replacement/rehabilitation options are appropriate for particular site conditions.• An independent forum to develop the requirements for rising main lining, which will result in a
level playing field for all.
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CP443CASSM -Optimising Carbon Abatement
Project Appreciation and Objectives
Benefits to Clients
Changes to guidance, accounting methodologies, financial incentives and emissions factors make it far from simple to integrate carbon into the decision process. Additionally, the influence of the cost of carbon and energy adds a layer of financial complexity in any estimates for future schemes.
This project will develop a Carbon Abatement Strategy Scenario Modelling tool (CASSM). The CASSM will allow companies to determine, for example:
• Emissions reduction strategies that deliver greatest benefit in terms of cost and carbon reduction,for a given planning horizon.
• The cost-benefit of existing and planned abatement strategies.• The tipping points (in terms of energy prices, carbon price and emissions factors) for different
combinations of policy options to be cost-effective, using sensitivity analysis.
• Cost savings from the selection of carbon abatement options which can be implemented at theleast cost.
• Optimisation of financial benefits from incentives for renewable energy generation.• Embodied and operational carbon models suitable for business planning purposes, for PR14 and
beyond.
PRICE£15,595
EXPECTED DELIVERYMarch 12
WRc CONTACTMr Mark Kowalski
TELEPHONE+44 (0) 1793 865080
TOPIC AREACarbon Management
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Index
24
CP454Alternative Approaches toSurface Water Separation
Project Appreciation and Objectives
Benefits to Clients
Many sewer systems suffer from lack of capacity during wet weather causing sewer flooding and premature operation of combined sewer overflows (CSOs), leading to serious damage /inconvenience to customers and/or prosecution by the environmental regulator. The traditional capital solution has been to provide additional capacity. However, separation of surface water is now seen as more sustainable. In combined and foul systems this has centred on removal at source.
In combined sewer systems there are often zones with separate surface water systems that eventually discharge into the combined sewer that could be diverted with little disruption to customers. In foul systems, surface drainage misconnections and leakage of surface water through manhole covers also contribute to the problem and offer an ill-defined, but potential opportunity for significant separation of surface water. This project will develop techniques that could be applied and to establish whether their use could cost-effectively reduce flooding and CSO spills, while minimising disruption to customers.
• Reduced hydraulic overloading of many sewer systems with consequent reduction in numbers offlooding incidents and CSO spills.
• Released sewer capacity, thereby removing the need for upgrading of sewer systems.• Better evidence on surface water separation, for use in developing approaches in the next
periodic review.
PRICE£11,000
EXPECTED DELIVERYNovember 12
WRc CONTACTMrs Jane Turrell
TELEPHONE+44 (0) 1793 865176
TOPIC AREAWaste & Resource Mgt.
CP459Development of a Rapid Testfor Anaerobic Digestion
PRICE£24,960 p.a.
EXPECTED DELIVERYOctober 13
WRc CONTACTMiss Gosia Dolata
TELEPHONE+44 (0) 1793 865188
TOPIC AREASewerage
Project Appreciation and Objectives
Benefits to Clients
The Government Review of Waste Policy in England 2011 and Anaerobic Digestion Strategy and Action Plan published in June 2011 lays out the government's commitment to increasing energy from waste through Anaerobic Digestion. Such initiatives are the first step in removing the barriers which currently serve to restrict infrastructure development and will help to provide the necessary level playing field in terms of regulation and financial incentives for the production and use of biogas and digestate irrespective of feedstock.
Historically a range of anaerobic tests have been used to provide information on the quality and quantity of biogas that might be produced from a waste, as well as estimating timescales for gas production. The problem with such tests is that the time lag between sample collection and the availability of test results hinders meaningful proactive management of the digester.
This project will develop and validate a suitable rapid biological test that can be used to predict biogas production potential and to predict inhibition issues associated with waste feedstock.
• Quality check that incoming feedstock characteristics comply with documentation. • Maximise productivity and increase digester throughput by assessment of new feedstock.• Minimise digester downtime due to poor or inappropriate feedstock.• Minimise the need to store wastes (with potential odour issues) waiting for test data.
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Please indicate projects of interest on a copy of this form and return by to qualify for a 10% discount on new projects, providing an order follows by (this does not constitute a formal commitment to support a project).
20th February 201219th March 2012
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Expression of Interest January 2012
WRc Plc, Frankland Road, Blagrove, Swindon, SN5 8YF, UKTel: +44 (0) 1793 865000 Direct Line: +44 (0) 1793 865155 Mobile: +44 (0) 7769 678341Email: [email protected] Fax: +44 (0) 1793 865001
New Projects
Ref. Title Interest 3
CP461
CP462
CP463
CP464
CP465
CP466
CP460
CP467
CP468
CP469
CP470
CP471
CP472
District and commercial meters - The next generation
Better estimation of plumbing losses
True consequences of asset failure on service in distribution
New methods for service reservoir inspection
Fibre optics for trunk mains leak detection and location
Planning for emergency events in water supply
CP474
Defining and managing health risks from sewage flooding
Sewer blockage clearance - Good practice guide
Piecing together the benefits of modular construction in sewerage
Minimising odour from biosolids recycling to agricultural land
A move toward zero waste
Catchment based sewer grits and screenings management
Practical guidance to improve telemetry data quality
Better day-to-day customer interaction
Geographical information user group 2012-14
A structured approach to hydraulic model maintenanceCP475
CP024
Locating private pumping stations
CP473