Project engineering - Introduction - Case study 1

Works water balance usage and study for future requirements
Location: United Kingdom

An integrated iron and steelworks was concerned about its works main industrial water supply, and the implications on future production and environmental requirements. Historically there had been occasions following low winter rainfalls and prolonged dry summers, when the works reservoir capacity had been dangerously low, posing a threat to the satisfactory operation of the works. Corus Consulting was requested to identify the current water usage and distribution systems, to assess the impact of projected works production increases on the water supply system, and to recommend possible methods of securing sufficient supplies to meet future production and environmental requirements.

The study was conducted along the following lines:

• Obtain total water usage data from all departments of works
• Check works drawing records for authenticity
• Survey water systems for leaks
• Prepare actual diagrammatic layouts of works water systems
• Prepare water balance programme from obtained results
• Recommendations

Over a period of several weeks all works departments were contacted and simplified questionnaires handed out to collate the various departments' water usage, this along with actual observations was used in the preparation of a works water balance computer model The model enabled projected works operating configurations to be simulated and the resulting water balances calculated, providing information on critical supply, consumption, treatment or discharge parameters. A thorough check was made of the works drawing records, from these records and thorough site inspections, up to date diagrammatic layouts were prepared, these were later utilised to demonstrate any modifications improvements needed. In assessing the water usage, all leaks wasteful and unnecessary usage of water was identified and addressed.

A report was prepared identifying potential improvements and modifications throughout the works, which could conserve water and reduce consumption. In addition to addressing the water conservation schemes, additional water supply services were identified to help satisfy any increase in raw water requirements.