Minimum cost of pipe and pumping

To understand why the benefit obtained by using the economical diameter of water mains is in terms of the minimum cost of pipe and pumping, let's break down the concept and its implications.

Economical Diameter of Water Mains
The economical diameter of water mains refers to the pipe diameter that minimizes the cost of both the pipe itself and the energy required for pumping water through it. It is determined based on a balance between the initial cost of the pipe and the ongoing cost of pumping water through it.

Factors Affecting Cost
1. Pipe Cost: The cost of the pipe is directly related to its diameter. As the diameter increases, the cost of the pipe also increases. However, larger diameter pipes can carry more water and require less pumping energy, reducing ongoing operational costs.

2. Pumping Cost: The cost of pumping water through the pipe is determined by the energy required to overcome friction losses. Friction losses are dependent on the pipe diameter. Smaller diameter pipes have higher friction losses and require more energy to pump water through them, leading to increased operational costs.

Optimization of Cost
The goal is to find the diameter of the water main that minimizes the sum of the initial cost of the pipe and the ongoing pumping cost. This is achieved by balancing the cost of the pipe and the cost of pumping.

Implications
By using the economical diameter of water mains, the following benefits are attained:

1. Cost Efficiency: The cost of the pipe and the cost of pumping are optimized, resulting in the minimum overall cost. This ensures that the available budget is utilized efficiently.

2. Sustainable Approach: By minimizing the pumping energy required, the use of the cheapest pipe diameter reduces the overall energy consumption, making the system more sustainable and environmentally friendly.

3. Long-term Savings: The minimum cost of pipe and pumping translates into long-term savings for the water supply system. The reduced operational costs can free up funds for other essential maintenance and improvement projects.

In conclusion, the benefit obtained by using the economical diameter of water mains is in terms of the minimum cost of pipe and pumping. By finding the optimal balance between pipe cost and pumping cost, the overall cost of the water supply system is minimized, leading to cost efficiency, sustainability, and long-term savings.

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