Project for Water Supply Pipelines, Pumping Stations and Water Supply Systems: Vila da Ponte – Freixinho and Penso

Municipality of Sernancelhe

Introduction

This article presents the technical engineering project for the design and dimensioning of two pumping mains and their respective pumping stations, establishing the connection between the Vila da Ponte Reservoir and the Freixinho and Penso Reservoirs, in the municipality of Sernancelhe. The infrastructure was designed to guarantee an efficient and independent water supply for each location, ensuring continuity of service even during maintenance operations.

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Context and Need

The rugged topography along the pipeline route, characterized by steep slopes and predominantly rocky soil (hard to very hard rock), made the installation of pumping systems imperative. After analyzing several alternatives, the decision was made to implement two pumping stations and two isolated pipelines. This strategic choice allows the water supply to Freixinho and Penso to be carried out autonomously, minimizing the impact of any failures or technical interventions in one system on the other.

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Summary of the Project Completed

The technical solution implemented focused on operational resilience and adaptation to the harsh geological conditions of the terrain.

• Pumping Systems: Installation of two pumping stations in reinforced concrete boxes. Each station is equipped with an electromechanical unit of two vertical multistage centrifugal pumps operating alternately, guaranteeing a 50% mechanical reserve. The system was designed to operate 20 hours a day.
• Water Supply Network and Materials: Rigid PVC class PN16 was used for most of the network. In canal or aqueduct crossings, where the piping is exposed and fixed to the trays, ductile cast iron was chosen for greater protection and durability.
• Implementation and Safety: The pipeline was installed at a minimum depth of 1.20 m, preferably following the street layout to facilitate operation. In sections with an inclination greater than 15%, simple concrete tie and anchor blocks were designed to resist longitudinal forces and hydraulic impulses.
• Control and Protection Devices: Automatic triple-acting air vents (VTE) were installed for efficient air management within the piping, and bottom discharge valves ($D=63 mm) facilitate cleaning operations. The system also features strategically located shut-off valves for isolating sections in case of rupture.
• Sizing and Control: Pressure loss calculations were based on the Manning-Strickler formula for flow rates of 0.62 l/s (Penso) and 0.42 l/s (Freixinho). Before commissioning, the system undergoes leak tests at one and a half times the maximum service pressure (minimum of 900 kPa), followed by washing and disinfection.

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