Location
Utah State University, Logan, Utah, USA
Start Date
6-17-2012 12:00 AM
End Date
6-20-2012 12:00 AM
Description
ABSTRACT: The hydraulic resistance of pipes with biofilm surface coatings can be difficult to predict based on smooth-wall pipe theory. The impacts of biofilm growth in distribution networks and the influence of mean velocity in their development were studied in a recirculation model system at the Hydraulic Laboratory of Universidad de los Andes, using as nutrient a grass specie called “kikuyu” (s.p. Pennicetum clandestine), which is common in raw water sources of Bogotá, Colombia. Water flowed constantly through the system during 150 days, and biofilm measurements were taken from monitors installed on the pipe’s wall. Bio-fouling was observed for various mean velocity flow conditions, although significant differences were observed in biofilms characteristics: thickness and bacterium community. The most important finding was that the friction factor of bio-fouled pipes was incongruent with Moody´s Diagram.
Included in
Mean Velocity Effect in Bio-Fouled Pipes
Utah State University, Logan, Utah, USA
ABSTRACT: The hydraulic resistance of pipes with biofilm surface coatings can be difficult to predict based on smooth-wall pipe theory. The impacts of biofilm growth in distribution networks and the influence of mean velocity in their development were studied in a recirculation model system at the Hydraulic Laboratory of Universidad de los Andes, using as nutrient a grass specie called “kikuyu” (s.p. Pennicetum clandestine), which is common in raw water sources of Bogotá, Colombia. Water flowed constantly through the system during 150 days, and biofilm measurements were taken from monitors installed on the pipe’s wall. Bio-fouling was observed for various mean velocity flow conditions, although significant differences were observed in biofilms characteristics: thickness and bacterium community. The most important finding was that the friction factor of bio-fouled pipes was incongruent with Moody´s Diagram.