Sanitation Network Sulfide Modeling as a Tool for Asset Management. The Case of the City of Murcia (Spain)

• Main Authors: Juan T. García, Juan M. García-Guerrero, José M. Carrillo, Álvaro Sordo-Ward, Luis Altarejos-García, Pedro D. Martínez-Solano, Francisco-Javier Pérez de la Cruz, Antonio Vigueras-Rodriguez, Luis G. Castillo
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2020-09-01
• Series: Sustainability
• Subjects: hydrogen sulfide; modeling; concrete corrosion; asset management
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/12/18/7643

Hydrogen sulfide (<i>H</i>₂<i>S</i>) generated in sewer networks induces corrosion which today constitutes the main cause of deterioration of concrete pipes. Information regarding the <i>H</i>₂<i>S</i> concentration inside sewer networks, as well as its control and reduction, has become one of the most important concerns in sanitation systems management nowadays. Modeling sulfide dynamics is the key to understanding corrosion processes. A dynamic model (called EMU-SANETSUL) was developed to calculate the <i>H</i>₂<i>S</i> concentration in both the water and the gas phases of the main sewers of the city of Murcia (Spain). The model was calibrated with data from field measurements taken from both the gas phase and wastewater. Samples were taken in the network from 2016 to 2019. The model achieved an accuracy index and error index in the ranges of 57% and 15%, respectively. Empirical equations of reaction are used, and calibration parameters are detailed. The code uses an explicit discretization technique, named the Discrete Volume Element Method (DVEM). A map with the annual average concentration of <i>H</i>₂<i>S</i> at the gas phase inside each pipe of the simulated network is presented. Values are compared with the mechanical deterioration inventory from closed-circuit television (CCTV) inspections performed by the Municipal Sanitation Company of the city of Murcia (EMUASA). Mechanical deterioration of pipes has diverse causes, including corrosion of pipes by <i>H</i>₂<i>S</i>. Sections with high <i>H</i>₂<i>S</i> concentrations that match with mechanical wear can be considered susceptible to being prioritized when rehabilitation works are being planned. Therefore, <i>H</i>₂<i>S</i> concentration modeling provides valuable information for asset management of the sewer network.