Clean Water. Clear Future.
Case Study 1
CFD-Optimized UV Reactor Piping System
Challenge:
A water treatment client required a UV reactor inlet piping system under very tight spatial constraints. The challenge was to ensure even flow distribution into the UV chamber while avoiding turbulence, dead zones, and high-pressure drops.
Our Solution:
The AURBITZ design team used Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis to simulate various pipe layouts and validate hydraulic behavior. After several iterations, we engineered an inlet configuration that delivered uniform velocity distribution and reduced head loss.
Outcome:
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Improved reactor efficiency and disinfection performance.
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Reduced pump energy demand due to optimised pressure profile.
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Delivered a validated design package with drawings, CFD results, and installation guidance.
This project showcased AURBITZ’s ability to blend advanced analysis with practical engineering.
Case Study 2
Water Quality Monitoring Backboard Design
Challenge:
Ensuring drinking water quality requires continuous, accurate monitoring of key parameters such as nitrate and pH. At this site, a new requirement arose to connect nitrate and pH sensors to the existing Water Quality Shutdown (WQS) panel. This would allow the system to trigger an immediate shutdown in the event of abnormal water quality readings, protecting consumers and meeting regulatory compliance. However, the challenge went beyond simply connecting sensors — it required detailed analysis of pressure conditions for sensor accuracy, flow behaviour in the main pipeline, careful sample pump selection, and compliant material choices that could be safely used in clean water environments.
Our Approach:
We adopted a structured engineering design process to create a robust and fully compliant monitoring backboard:
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Pressure and Flow Analysis:
We conducted a detailed review of system pressures to ensure that sensors could operate within their specified ranges without risk of damage or unreliable readings. Flow conditions in the main pipeline were analysed to determine the optimum location and method for representative sampling. -
Sensor Integration and Backboard Layout:
The nitrate and pH sensors were mounted on a dedicated backboard, designed for clarity, accessibility, and safe maintenance. The layout was developed to ensure straightforward operation while minimising risk of cross-contamination. -
Sample Pump Selection:
To ensure consistent flow through the sensors, a sample pump was specified based on capacity, reliability, and compliance with potable water standards. Pump selection also considered operational resilience, ease of maintenance, and compatibility with the available electrical supply. -
Material Selection:
All wetted parts and components were selected in line with WIMES and WRAS-approved standards for clean water applications. Stainless steel and WRAS-approved plastics were prioritised to provide corrosion resistance, durability, and water quality safety. -
System Integration:
The backboard was designed to integrate seamlessly with the existing WQS panel. In the event that either nitrate or pH values exceeded allowable limits, the system would trigger an automated shutdown sequence to protect water quality. -
Compliance and Risk Management:
A design risk assessment (DRA) was carried out to address installation, maintenance, and operational risks. Consideration was also given to DWI guidelines to ensure the design would meet regulatory expectations.
Outcome:
The installed monitoring backboard provided a fully integrated nitrate and pH monitoring solution linked directly to the WQS panel. By combining careful hydraulic analysis, material and pump selection, and compliance-focused design, the system now ensures:
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Accurate, real-time monitoring of nitrate and pH levels.
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Automatic shutdown protection in the event of water quality risks.
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Compliance with potable water regulations and industry standards.
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A clear, maintainable, and future-proof backboard layout.
Value Added:
This solution enhanced the site’s ability to protect public health, improved resilience of operations, and gave the client confidence that their monitoring system could meet both current and future compliance requirements.
Case Study 3
Modernising a Legacy Water Booster Station
Challenge :
A remote island community depended on a potable water booster station originally built in 1935 and last refurbished in the 1970s. After decades of service, the pumps and controls had become unreliable, and spare parts were no longer available. The client needed a full mechanical and electrical redesign to ensure reliable water supply, add resilience with a third standby pump, and meet today’s operational and compliance standards. Crucially, the station had to remain in service throughout the refurbishment.
Our Approach :
Our engineering team carried out a full assessment of the existing site and system performance. Hydraulic modelling revealed errors in the original pipe sizing that could compromise performance if left uncorrected. Using this analysis, we selected new pumps matched precisely to the site’s head and flow requirements, creating separate specifications for both the temporary and permanent arrangements.
We developed detailed process and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs) and layout drawings to map out every stage of the transition, ensuring uninterrupted supply during installation. Pipework was carefully routed within the constrained existing structure, and a full Design Risk Assessment was completed to manage confined space and lifting hazards.
To ensure every angle was covered, we facilitated a HAZOP workshop, bringing together mechanical, electrical, and operational teams to test the design for safety and compliance. Electrical integration, including motor starters, cabling, and switchgear, was coordinated seamlessly with the mechanical design.
Outcome:
The project delivered a fully modernized booster station that meets today’s regulatory standards and secures a resilient water supply for the community. The design ensured:
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Continuous operation during refurbishment through temporary pumping solutions
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Corrected hydraulic performance with right-sized pipework and pump selection
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Enhanced resilience with a duty/standby/assist configuration
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Compliance with health, safety, and potable water standards
Value Delivered:
Our solution combined engineering rigour with practical risk management, saving the client from costly downtime and future-proofing the station for decades to come. The upgraded system now provides a robust, reliable, and compliant water supply to the island community.