Development of a Comprehensive Solute Mixing Model (AZRED) for Double-Tee, Cross, and Wye Junctions

Municipal water distribution networks consist of numerous cross-, tee-, and wye- junction connectors. In recent years, a series of experimental and numerical studies have sought to understand solute mixing at a cross junction. To address solute mixing phenomena at cross junctions, a fully functional computer program (AZRED v.1.0.0) was developed based on experimental results. The code was validated using a set of network-level experimental data. In the present study, comprehensive solute mixing patterns are investigated for various combinations of cross, double-tee, and wye junction connectors with different flow directions. Mixing patterns for various junction configurations are also visualized by means of dye injections at different flow ratios. These findings are integrated into a water quality solver (AZRED v.1.1.0) suitable for large-scale network simulations. Improved water quality models will be crucial in identifying optimal locations for water quality sensors, assessing models for early warning systems, and generating the exposure information needed for quantitative risk assessment.