As part of a tool to minimize sediment caused drinking water quality problems, a
model for the transport behavior of sediments, i. e. mainly corrosion products, in drinking
water distribution systems was developed. A pilot plant
consisting of two pipe loop systems of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and steel with 80 mm inner diameter and 200 m
of length each was developed and constructed. First, experiments with model particles suspended
in drinking water were performed. The observed transport behavior of the used particles
showed no satisfying compliance with existing models for transport of sediments which
were mainly developed for application in sewer systems and rivers. This is attributed to different
conditions. Further experimental and theoretical investigations will be carried out in the
future. Includes 8 references, table, figures.