Prioritization and Optimization of the Sewer Flushing Program for Municipal Wastewater Collection Systems

The objective of the study is to develop an algorithm to streamline and automate the decision making process for implementing the municipal wastewater collection flushing program. Traditionally, a municipal flushing program, or pipe cleaning, is based on a time-cycle approach. This means that all sewer pipes in the network are treated the same, ignoring variables, such as the pipe physical attributes, site conditions, use and service are ignored. The driving paradigm for this project is to switch from a quantity-focused practice toward a quality-focused approach. This project will develop an innovative computer-based tool to optimize the preventive maintenance of sewer pipes through flushing. Flushing is characterized by injecting pressured water inside the pipes to flush the grease, debris and deposits before blockage and failures occur. This computerized tool will assist municipalities applying an evidence-based, risk-informed asset management strategy. The strategy will focus on decision making to optimize and implement the flushing program and the modelling of the process with existing GIS applications. Aspects outside the scope of this project include condition assessment and modelling of pipe deterioration.

Faculty Supervisor:

Arnold Yuan

Student:

Amir Hossein Keshvari Fard

Partner:

Town of Georgina

Discipline:

Engineering - civil

Sector:

Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services

University:

Ryerson University