SINGER BLOG

From frequent pipe bursts to an insufficient water supply, the aging infrastructure in Malang City, Indonesia, has caused major problems. Despite being responsible for supplying water to approximately 70 percent of the city’s population, 30 percent of the city had been regularly deprived of water. 

With daily pipe bursts, dropping reservoir levels and leakage rates hitting an all time high, Teguh Cahyono, the director of Non-Revenue Water (NRW) for the city, knew improvements had to be made quickly. A group of experts was brought in to develop a water loss management plan, and decided to develop several control zones of DMAs with a single source of water comprised of a meter and a pilot-operated control valve at the sources of the DMA. 

However, securing funds from the city’s water directors and other authorities was the next hurdle. In order to demonstrate the ROI of the water-loss management plan, the team installed three test DMAs and PRVs near one of the city’s most problematic reservoirs. The pipe bursts stopped, leakage was greatly reduced and reservoir levels were maintained. The city’s directors were convinced by the value of the test installations and the budget was approved.

DMA Approves Management Plan, Project Takes Off 

Following the pilot-operated valve installations, construction began with the installation of 42 Singer Valve S106-2PR-BT units (less than 30 percent of the overall project requirements). To manage pressure at different times (day and night), two pressure reducing pilots were added to the main diaphragm operated control valves. One pilot is set for night pressure (low demand) and the other is set for day pressure (high demand). 

In addition to the first installations, larger valves were required for larger main DMA areas. These valves feature single rolling diaphragms (SRD) rather than flat diaphragms, which often have seat chatter with fluctuating flow. Moreover, the SRD provides smooth, steady and precise pressure control from maximum to virtually zero flow without the need for low-flow bypass valves.

The innovation prevents minor surges from entering the downstream side of the PRV and is influencing projects worldwide as flow stability, particularly at low flow is critical to minimizing infrastructure damage.

Fewer Pipe Bursts=Happier Residents

Prior to the installation of the first 42 valves, the city had an average of one pipe burst per day. This solution has reduced that to one pipe burst per month, which has led to significant cost savings. But more importantly, fewer pipe bursts means the city’s water supply is more sufficient for residents.

The entire valve system makes use of the geographic information system technology and allows for real-time monitoring of pressure and leakage (i.e., faster repairs).

With a total of 138 Singer Valve PRVs, water loss is reduced by 75%, pipe breakage by 300% and power consumption by 33%. Additionally, the city is now able to expand reliable water access to new communities. 

“I can sleep well at night knowing that the vast majority of customers now have reliable water,” Teguh concluded. 

To learn more about how you can eliminate pipe breaks, download this white paper.