Hydraulic modelling makes sure the water actually moves as intended — through pipes, channels, tanks and the whole plant. It covers steady-flow network analysis, the hydraulic grade line, transient (surge) analysis and the residence-time distribution that governs reactor and disinfection performance.
The questions this modelling discipline answers
Steady-flow modelling sizes pipes and channels and traces the hydraulic grade line from inlet to outlet, confirming every unit passes peak flow by gravity or with defined pumping head.
Water-hammer and surge analysis protects pipework and pumps from the pressure transients of rapid valve and pump events — sizing protection where needed.
RTD and tracer modelling reveal short-circuiting and dead zones in tanks and contactors — critical for disinfection contact time and reactor efficiency.
System-curve modelling finds the true duty point and turndown behaviour, and checks NPSH so pumps neither cavitate nor run off their curve.
Hydraulic modelling spans scales. At the network level it is conservation of energy along the flow path — the hydraulic grade line, with friction from Darcy–Weisbach and minor losses, confirming the plant drains and pumps as designed. At the transient level it captures the pressure waves of surge that can rupture pipework if unprotected. And at the reactor level it resolves the residence-time distribution: real tanks are never perfectly mixed or perfectly plug-flow, and the spread between them decides whether a disinfection contactor delivers its CT or a reactor its conversion. Getting the hydraulics right is often the difference between a process that works on paper and one that works on site — which is why it sits alongside the CFD, process and kinetic models.
Reynolds & Bauhm applies the right modelling discipline to the question — from a steady-state flowsheet to a calibrated digital twin — so design and operating decisions are made on evidence, not assumption.
Our expertise spans multiple industries with sector-specific water treatment solutions.