A novel demonstration of adhered material mobilisation by hydraulic transients

This paper presents results from rigorous laboratory experiments that have investigated mobilisation of pipe-wall adhered material due to hydraulic transients. The controlled, repeatable and systematic physical experiments showed that both valve closing and valve opening transients, accelerating and decelerating dynamic effects, can mobilise adhered material where steady-state hydraulic conditions cannot. These conclusive findings show that mobilisation of adhered material by hydraulic transients can occur. Understanding this process is critical to managing water quality risks in drinking water distribution systems and hence protecting public health and minimising associated economic consequences. Laboratory experiments have shown that pipe-wall adhered material can be mobilised by transients, where steady-state hydraulic conditions cannot. This process is critical to managing water quality risks in drinking water distribution systems.