Optimal decoupling of booster disinfection systems in water distribution networks

Booster disinfection involves the dosing of a disinfectant, such as chlorine, at points located within a distribution network (i.e. after treatment and before consumption). This paper formulates three related optimization models for locating booster disinfection stations in water distribution networks, using as inspiration the class of maximum covering location models. All three models seek to minimize the number of booster stations required, and to maximize the independence of booster station influences on the spatial and temporal distribution of disinfectant residual. By decoupling the influence of each booster, it will be easier to develop reliable feedback control algorithms based on residual concentration measurements, since then there exists a unique relationship between residual concentration at a monitoring point and dosing at a booster station. While in general it may not be possible to achieve such a high level of booster decoupling, two of the models attempt to maximize the degree of decoupling, as much as allowed.