Ensuring a smoother flow
O Monash researchers investigate pipe structures to help address water crisis issues
MALAYSIA has been beset by a spate of water disruptions recently, with the frequency of such occurrences increasing at an alarming rate.
One of the factors behind these is structural issues, which require long-term strategies such as addressing regular incidents of pollution at water treatment centres and educating the public on sustainable practices.
However, there are pressing issues that can be addressed swiftly and, to some extent, alleviate the water crisis.
Non-Revenue Water (NRW) is a term that is used to describe water that does not reach the intended recipient.
Statistics by the Ministry of Water, Land and Natural Resources statistics in 2017 show Malaysia’s NRW rate is at 35%. This translates to 5,929 million litres of water per day (MLD), which is more than enough to satiate the water demands for Selangor (3,316 MLD), and Johor (1,320 MLD), respectively.
The four common materials used for pipes are ductile iron, mild steel, High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), and PVC-O. The main stakeholders are the water authorities and key decision-makers, who advise the water authorities on the choicesregarding the choice of piping.
However, it is baffling that for a matter so profound, so little has been done in the way of empirical research that would help point towards the use of proper materials for pipes in the appropriate areas, and at the right cost.
A team of academics from Monash University Malaysia is researching the different materials used in piping, with respect to their mechanical properties, transportability, corrosion resistance and a host of other criteria.
The team consists of four academics – Lim Jen Nee Jones, Associate Professor Tan Boon Thong, Dr. Daniel Kong Lean Yew from the School of Engineering, and Dr. Puspavathy Rassiah from the School of Business.
Tan said the aim of the research is to give a systematic and comprehensive evaluation of different options to satisfy specific needs, in order that stakeholders can make better-informed decisions.
“The feeling in the industry is that the choice of materials used in piping is not very objective and is just based on anecdotal, and historical evidence,” said Tan.
“At the moment, once a design is out, the tendering process then begins. The design is essentially fixed from that point on. Whoever gets the contract does not have any choice but to follow the design.
“The decision-makers are typically the consultants hired by clients or developers, who would advise them on the design based on general guidelines provided by water authorities.”
Tan emphasises that the aim of this research is to guide the decision-makers, using a more systematic and objective approach to selecting the pipe than historical or anecdotal evidence.
He said many factors determine the durability and longevity of pipes, based on materials used.
He explained: “For instance, in a highsalinity environment like the coastal areas, corrosion becomes an issue. Hence the ideal choice would be HDPE. PVC-O is a new option that has only been in the market for a few years. However, there are circumstances where available sizes limited for certain types of pipes.”
The expertise of the research team comes to the fore in instances where all four materials are suitable to be used.
Typically, the only criteria such as cost, expertise, familiarity with the contractors and designers were taken into account, which could be limiting. As water concessionaires vary from state to state, the research team’s twopronged approach involves first collecting, and then analysing data from all the different water authorities in different states.