Biofouling in pipelines

Pipeline distribution systems account for the vast majority of the physical infrastructure in the water industry. Their effective management represents the primary challenge to the industry, from both an operational and public health standpoint. Biofouling has a ubiquitous presence within these systems, and it can significantly impede their efficiency, through an increase in boundary shear caused by characteristic changes in surface roughness dynamics. Nevertheless, conventional pipeline design practices fail to take into account such effects, partially because research findings that could contribute to upgraded and optimised design practices appear inconsistent in the literature. The overall aim of this study was to improve the current scientific understanding of biofouling within water and wastewater pipelines; for the purpose of instigating a step-change in pipeline design theory by incorporating biofouling, thereby enabling future pipelines to be as efficient as practicable.

Autorentext

Matthew graduated from Cardiff University with a doctoral degree in civil engineering in 2015. Following the completion of his PhD he joined Mott MacDonald ltd. Matthew has published research findings in several reputable journals and his main areas of interest include experimental hydraulics and in-sewer processes.