Audit of a water pipeline in Córdoba, Spain
Executive Summary
In December 2023, Aganova was selected to conduct an audit on the water pipeline between the La Colada and Sierra Boyera reservoirs in Córdoba. This project is part of the emergency plan developed by EMPROACSA to address changes in the raw water quality that have affected the Sierra Boyera WTP’s capacity to meet the regulations set by Royal Decree 3/2023. Operating since 1975, the WTP required updates to its infrastructure and processes to ensure water quality, thereby guaranteeing a safe and adequate supply for the population of Córdoba.
In March 2024, detailed inspections were carried out on sections B and C of the water pipeline, covering a total of 38.5 km (23.92 miles). The infrastructure was divided into three sections—C, B1, and B2—measuring 12.6 km (7.83 miles), 15.4 km (9.57 miles), and 10.3 km (6.4 miles) respectively. Using the advanced Nautilus technology, Aganova conducted a comprehensive audit to identify leaks and assess the condition of the pipelines. This audit was crucial in providing an accurate diagnosis, giving EMPROACSA the necessary information to make informed decisions and implement corrective actions, thus ensuring the efficiency and integrity of the water pipeline system.
Client
Sections
La Colada – Sierra Boyera B1, B2 and C
Location
Córdoba, Spain
Date
March 18-21, 2024
Diameter
DN500, DN700 and DN800
Section
B1
B2
C
Speed (m/s)
Min
Max
0.86
1.13
0.22
0.55
0.49
1.97
Pressure (bar)
Min
Max
13
22
2
13
2
20
Distance (m)
15,492
10,325
12,674
Introduction
In December 2023, Aganova was selected to conduct a comprehensive audit on the water pipeline infrastructure between the La Colada and Sierra Boyera reservoirs in Córdoba. This audit was part of EMPROACSA’s emergency plan, designed to address water quality issues that have impacted the capacity of the Sierra Boyera Water Treatment Plant (WTP) to meet the requirements of Royal Decree 3/2023. Since its inauguration in 1975, the WTP has required significant infrastructure upgrades to ensure a quality drinking water supply and secure water provision for the population of Córdoba.
Challenge
The main challenge was the alteration in raw water quality supplied to the Sierra Boyera WTP, which risked compliance with current regulations. The existing facilities were not equipped to handle new variations in water quality. Additionally, the pipeline network between the reservoirs had deficiencies, including possible leaks and structural issues affecting system performance and reliability. These issues compromised not only water quality but also the efficiency and safety of the supply.
Solution and Implementation
To resolve these issues, an exhaustive audit was conducted in March 2024 using the Nautilus System. The evaluation covered a total of 38.5 km (23.92 miles) of infrastructure, segmented into three sections: C, B1, and B2, with lengths of 12.6 km (7.83 miles), 15.4 km (9.57 miles), and 10.3 km (6.4 miles), respectively. Aganova’s technology enabled a detailed inspection to identify leaks and assess pipeline conditions. The information obtained facilitated precise and timely repairs, aligned with the modernization and improvement needs of the WTP, ensuring regulatory compliance.
Section Map of Sections A, B, and C
The characteristics of the inspected sections were as follows:
Section C
Section C
Section C
Material
Asbestos-cement
Asbestos-cement
Asbestos-cement
Flow
310 l/s
315 l/s
400 l/s
Diameter
DN800 and DN500
DN700
DN700
Water Speed
1.21 m/s
0.81 m/s
1.04 m/s
Length
12,733 m
15,492,02 m
10,325 m
Insertion point
DN150 gate valve
DN150 gate valve
DN150 gate valve
Extraction point
DN150 gate valve
DN150 gate valve
DN150 gate valve
Nautilus Navigation
4h 41min
4h 47min
2h 55min
Aerial view of Section C inspected with detected incidents.
Aerial view of Section B1 inspected with detected incidents.
Aerial view of Section B2 inspected with detected incidents.
Results
The audit with the Nautilus System allowed for the detection and correction of multiple issues in the water pipeline network, as well as providing elevation and pressure profiles for each section. Repairs began immediately, enabling EMPROACSA to meet legal requirements regarding water quality and ensure a safe, continuous supply. The effective intervention not only resolved existing deficiencies but also optimized the performance of the pipeline system, providing a solid foundation for long-term maintenance and supply reliability for the population of Córdoba.
Conclusions
The audit process carried out by Aganova has been fundamental in resolving issues in water pipeline infrastructure and treated water quality. The Nautilus technology demonstrated high precision in identifying and correcting deficiencies. Thanks to this collaboration, EMPROACSA has not only complied with water quality regulations but has also ensured a continuous and safe supply. This project underscores Aganova’s commitment to excellence in enhancing Andalusian hydraulic infrastructures, ensuring that the system between the La Colada and Sierra Boyera reservoirs operates with maximum efficiency and meets the most stringent standards.