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1 – 10 of over 5000
Article
Publication date: 1 November 1951

C.H. Cumberland and G.S. Bowey

Water systems in civil aircraft, stimulated by passenger comfort needs, have grown to be a comprehensive and important part of aircraft engineering. In this article, following a…

Abstract

Water systems in civil aircraft, stimulated by passenger comfort needs, have grown to be a comprehensive and important part of aircraft engineering. In this article, following a review of the system types, the design features arc discussed in detail and emphasis has been placed on the functional and hygiene requirements, and on the need for simplicity and weight conservation. Attempts have been made to augment air‐borne water supplies by reclamation means, but these have not been too successful. Investigations should therefore continue into the ways and means of improving the utilization of existing ‘fixed’ capacity systems. Installation safety aspects are also discussed.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 23 no. 11
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0002-2667

Article
Publication date: 8 July 2011

Amarjit Singh, Stacy Adachi and Megan Inouye

The purpose of this paper is to investigate performance times from a quality engineering perspective for response and repair of pipes at a public utility. The objective is to…

1893

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate performance times from a quality engineering perspective for response and repair of pipes at a public utility. The objective is to scientifically determine the pipe that offers the most desirable downtime (DT) and time to repair (TTR).

Design/methodology/approach

Four types of water supply pipes – concrete cylinder (CC), cast iron (CI), ductile iron (DI), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) – in prevalent use at the City and County of Honolulu Board of Water Supply were analyzed to determine the pipe type that is most consistently repaired to desired performance specifications. Data for mean downtime (MDT) and mean time to repair (MTTR) were used to evaluate the stability and capability of the repair processes for each pipe type. The analysis was completed through the use of control charts, operating characteristic (OC) curves, and process capability indices.

Findings

The results of the analysis indicated that CI pipes were the worst material in terms of DT and TTR. The control charts for MDT for all pipe types, and the MTTR for CI and CC pipes, were found to be out of statistical control, but the control charts for the MTTR of DI and PVC pipes were discovered to be in control. According to the OC curves, in which the hypothesis stated that the average MDT or MTTR was between the specification limits, there was a high tendency in all pipe types to accept the hypothesis when it was true. However, the probability of type I errors was high from operational standards at the USL level. Process capability analyses found that only CC pipes were able to meet performance design specifications; however, repair times are extremely large for CC pipes. Overall, it is recommended that CI pipes be replaced when the opportunity arises.

Practical implications

This investigation serves to address a major query in asset management at the public utility, that of which pipes should be selected during design and procurement from a maintenance perspective. In addition, the study helps to understand the trend of DT and TTR for the various pipes.

Social implications

Quality water supply is of paramount social importance in modern cities.

Originality/value

A quality engineering approach to asset management for pipe systems at public utilities that serves to add a new dimension to asset performance analysis is adopted.

Details

Built Environment Project and Asset Management, vol. 1 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2044-124X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 July 2013

Amarjit Singh and Stacy Adachi

The purpose of this paper is to analyze conditional failure rates, and prioritize water pipelines for replacement based on their expected failure rate where pipes are grouped…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze conditional failure rates, and prioritize water pipelines for replacement based on their expected failure rate where pipes are grouped based on age and pipe type. Thus, predictions can be made on the expected number of breaks in future years.

Design/methodology/approach

The time to failure of a pipe can be characterized by the stochastic properties of the population as a whole, from which the likelihood of component failure is derived. When the corresponding failure rate is plotted against time, a bathtub‐shaped curve results. The bathtub curve assists in determining maintenance schedules depending on the age of the pipe. Failure rates help determine whether the rates are more than an acceptable best practice threshold to signal replacement.

Findings

Ductile iron pipes had the highest failure rates, followed by asbestos cement pipes; PVC and concrete cylinder pipes had the lowest failure rates, but because concrete cylinder pipes are very time‐consuming to repair and very expensive to install, only PVC pipes are recommended on the basis of this study. Cast iron pipes fit the bathtub shape; ductile iron and asbestos concrete were somewhat bathtub shaped, though the early phase period was not apparent; the bathtub curve for concrete cylinder was fully inverted; while PVC pipes showed zero probability of failure during the middle period. The shapes of bathtub curves drawn on conditional failure rates were similar to those for the failure rates. The bathtub curves indicate that the general failure performance of pipe materials is somewhat contrary to general principles in manufacturing.

Practical implications

Analysis of failure serves a practical purpose for water utilities to allocate funds for pipe maintenance and prepare a schedule for pipe replacement, so as to provide the best quality services and safe drinking water to users of the utility.

Social implications

The proper prioritization of water supply pipes for repair and replacement is of great social importance to the public at large, which expends considerable funds to maintain their drinking water supply.

Originality/value

The study of bathtub curves has not been seen before in the analysis of water supply pipes. A unique discovery is that the traditional shape of the bathtub curve is not always applicable for water supply pipes.

Details

Built Environment Project and Asset Management, vol. 3 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2044-124X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 April 1993

A.Y. Sangodoyin

Examines pollution risks in Ibadan′s (Nigeria) water distributionsystem. Attributes the observed reduction in water quality tourbanization pressure, age of piping, differences in…

Abstract

Examines pollution risks in Ibadan′s (Nigeria) water distribution system. Attributes the observed reduction in water quality to urbanization pressure, age of piping, differences in pipe materials and distance from the treatment plant. The turbidity of some of the samples indicates the entry of foreign materials into the system and thus health hazards. Suggests some measures to ameliorate the situation.

Details

Environmental Management and Health, vol. 4 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0956-6163

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 November 2011

Amarjit Singh

The purpose of this paper is to inform facility managers of the type of failure affecting certain pipe types more than others. This is useful in asset management as preventive…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to inform facility managers of the type of failure affecting certain pipe types more than others. This is useful in asset management as preventive maintenance can be undertaken for those pipe types that experience high probabilities of failure.

Design/methodology/approach

The probability of a specific pipe type failing given the cause of break, age at failure, pipe diameter, and type of soil at the location of the break was found using inventory and main break data from the Honolulu Board of Water Supply (HBWS). Bayes’ theorem was then applied to find the posterior probabilities of failure starting from the prior probabilities of failure.

Findings

It was observed that the greatest probabilities of failure involved corrosion, pipes aged between 20‐30 years, 8″ pipes, and pipes in fill material. The pipe types were ranked and scored based on their probability of failing due to break cause, age, diameter, and soil type. Cast iron pipes were shown to have the highest probability of failing. As such, attention should be given to replace segments of cast iron pipes as they reach the end of their service lives.

Practical implications

This study serves to address a major query in asset management at a public utility, that of which pipes should be selected for replacement when they reach the end of their service life. In addition, this study helps to understand the causes of failure for the various types of pipe.

Social Implications

The importance of having reliable water supply at low cost has immense social implications in modern communities. To deliver such service, water pipe assets have to be managed efficiently.

Originality/value

This paper addresses the probability of failure in a straightforward manner that the water utility can easily apply to its own data, both in its design and asset management.

Details

Built Environment Project and Asset Management, vol. 1 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2044-124X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 January 2012

Kaushal Misra and Gunjan Malhotra

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the possibilities of continuous water supply in New Delhi, India and nearby places; also to scrutinize/assess/recognize the role of the…

1991

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the possibilities of continuous water supply in New Delhi, India and nearby places; also to scrutinize/assess/recognize the role of the Municipal Corporation and Delhi Jal Board (DJB), the departments which take care of water supply and demand in the region.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper takes the form of a case study and a literature review.

Findings

The authors infer that there is a bright possibility of continuous water supply in the region, provided there is improvement of water supply networks, auditing of supplied water, educating people for water conservation and rain water harvesting and proper distribution by building underground reservoirs (UGR) in different areas.

Originality/value

The conclusion and inferences of this research may enhance the existing literature on water supply, for the first time focusing on the Indian context, where there is no major problem in supply of water but the designed infrastructure creates shortages in the area.

Details

Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal, vol. 23 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1477-7835

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 February 2024

Nehal Elshaboury, Tarek Zayed and Eslam Mohammed Abdelkader

Water pipes degrade over time for a variety of pipe-related, soil-related, operational, and environmental factors. Hence, municipalities are necessitated to implement effective…

Abstract

Purpose

Water pipes degrade over time for a variety of pipe-related, soil-related, operational, and environmental factors. Hence, municipalities are necessitated to implement effective maintenance and rehabilitation strategies for water pipes based on reliable deterioration models and cost-effective inspection programs. In the light of foregoing, the paramount objective of this research study is to develop condition assessment and deterioration prediction models for saltwater pipes in Hong Kong.

Design/methodology/approach

As a perquisite to the development of condition assessment models, spherical fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (SFAHP) is harnessed to analyze the relative importance weights of deterioration factors. Afterward, the relative importance weights of deterioration factors coupled with their effective values are leveraged using the measurement of alternatives and ranking according to the compromise solution (MARCOS) algorithm to analyze the performance condition of water pipes. A condition rating system is then designed counting on the generalized entropy-based probabilistic fuzzy C means (GEPFCM) algorithm. A set of fourth order multiple regression functions are constructed to capture the degradation trends in condition of pipelines overtime covering their disparate characteristics.

Findings

Analytical results demonstrated that the top five influential deterioration factors comprise age, material, traffic, soil corrosivity and material. In addition, it was derived that developed deterioration models accomplished correlation coefficient, mean absolute error and root mean squared error of 0.8, 1.33 and 1.39, respectively.

Originality/value

It can be argued that generated deterioration models can assist municipalities in formulating accurate and cost-effective maintenance, repair and rehabilitation programs.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 August 2023

Argaw Gurmu and Pabasara Wijeratne Mudiyanselage

Most residential building owners often report problems associated with the plumbing systems. If identified at the early stages, plumbing-related defects can be easily repaired…

Abstract

Purpose

Most residential building owners often report problems associated with the plumbing systems. If identified at the early stages, plumbing-related defects can be easily repaired. However, if unnoticed for a long period of time, they could lead to major damages and incur a significant cost to repair. Despite the problems, studies investigating plumbing anomalies and their root causes in residential buildings are limited. This study aims to explore plumbing defects and their potential causes, diagnosis methods and repair techniques in residential buildings.

Design/methodology/approach

This research used data collected through an extensive survey of both academic and grey literature. Through the content analysis, plumbing defects and the associated causes have been identified and presented in tabular format.

Findings

The study investigated the anomalies and causes in the residential plumbing system under five key sub-systems: water supply system; sanitary plumbing system; roof drainage system; heating, ventilation, air conditioning and gas system; and swimming pool. Accordingly, some of the identified plumbing defects include leakages, corrosion, water penetration, slow drainage and cracks. Damaged pipes, faulty equipment and installations are some of the common causes of the anomalies. Visual inspection, hydrostatic pressure test, thermography, high-tech pipe cameras, infrared cameras, leak noise correlators and leak loggers are techniques used for diagnosing anomalies. Reactive, preventive, predictive and reliability-centred maintenance strategies are identified to control or prevent anomalies.

Originality/value

The findings of this research can be used as a useful tool or guideline for contractors, plumbers, facilities managers and building surveyors to identify and rectify plumbing system-related defects in residential buildings.

Details

Facilities , vol. 41 no. 13/14
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-2772

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 October 2013

Albert P.C. Chan and Ernest Effah Ameyaw

The past few years have seen some private sector involvement in urban and small-town water provision in Ghana, as the government strives to improve access to water supply services…

Abstract

Purpose

The past few years have seen some private sector involvement in urban and small-town water provision in Ghana, as the government strives to improve access to water supply services for its citizens in line with millennium development goals. Since 1995, both central and local governments have entered into various forms of public-private partnerships (PPPs) contracts. The paper aims to examine challenges and investment needs of Ghanaian water supply sector that necessitated private sector involvement; trends, and factors that constrain the development and implementation of projects with private sector involvement in the sector.

Design/methodology/approach

A research approach integrating multi-stage critical review of relevant related literature and case studies is adopted in this paper. The study is further informed by the authors' experience in the sector and knowledge of PPPs. Analysis of data from different sources, using both approaches, provides both historical and contemporary approach to water management practice in Ghana.

Findings

The paper reveals that the Ghanaian water supply sector mirrors the classic challenges of public sector utilities in developing countries. Under-investment by government is the major cause of the ill-performance of the sector, necessitating private sector involvement. Management contract has emerged as a popular form of water supply PPP in Ghana. Further, optimal risk allocation has not been widely adopted in these contracts, and not yet been given much attention by practitioners and researchers in the literature of water management in Ghana.

Originality/value

The paper provides useful insights into the constraints of the water supply sector, development and implementation challenges of PPPs in the sector, and prompts a need for more research on risk allocation in water supply PPP contracts.

Details

Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, vol. 11 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1726-0531

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 November 2015

Juliusz Orlikowski, Kazimierz Darowicki, Agata Jazdzewska and Magdalena Jarzynka

The purpose of this paper is to implement the corrosion protection method for steel pipes used in a municipal water-pipe network. Results of an inhibitor protection system…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to implement the corrosion protection method for steel pipes used in a municipal water-pipe network. Results of an inhibitor protection system installed on the system are presented. Inhibitor protection was required due to the high corrosivity of the water collected by a surface intake, which had resulted in a large number of failures and low water quality, due to the presence of corrosion products.

Design/methodology/approach

To assess the effectiveness of protection and to control the optimum dose of the inhibitor dispensed, an automatic system of corrosion monitoring was used, together with an assessment of water corrosiveness based on measurements of physical and chemical properties of water.

Findings

Calcium polyphosphate, in the role of a non-toxic corrosion inhibitor, showed significant effectiveness as a anticorrosive and its results were fully noticeable after several years following the commencement of protection. Corrosion monitoring has shown that the effectiveness of inhibitor protection is highest in the summer season, when the water is characterised as being in its most corrosive form.

Originality/value

A reduction in the corrosion rate improves the quality of water and its chemical parameters fall within the standard range for water intended for consumption. The corrosion inhibitor action accelerates the formation of a layer limiting the corrosion rate. In this case, stable corrosion rates may be obtained after only the first year. In terms of the designing systems for monitoring corrosion in water systems, this is very important information as reliable results can be obtained for a long period after the launch of the system.

Details

Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, vol. 62 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0003-5599

Keywords

1 – 10 of over 5000