to improve and streamline its performance and water supply reliability.
The seventh annual research conference was held on May 17 to summarize the research conducted in 2015. The conference was held in Yad Binyamin and was attended by representatives of Mekorot, government ministries, the Water Authority, the academia and leading companies in the water industry.
The conference included an innovation competition as well and a presentation of 35 different company research projects.
Below is a review of the research projects presented at the conference:
1. Quality assessment of external coating for underground steel pipelines using various methods
This study was presented by Gregory Neizvestny and attempts to improve reliability of anti-corrosive protection in underground pipelines, to select testing methodology and suit it to accommodate the unique characteristics of water pipelines. The best results were obtained during flow and DCVG (Direct Current Voltage Gradient) tests.
The study showed a very high cost-benefit ratio for these tests, and therefore they will be implemented as a mandatory stage of quality control for evaluation of the condition of external coating on new pipelines.
A scratch on the extruded polyethylene coating of a 100” pipe
2. Modular cover for irrigation reservoirs
This study, presented by Yaron Pitkovski, describes modular covers using innovative floating plastic balls, TopUpTM, recently developed by the Israeli NeoTop company. The modular cover has been shown to effectively minimize evaporation and to decelerate salification of seasonal reservoirs, improve quality of water, and distance large seabirds from reservoirs located near airline routes.
3. Biofilm formation in deep wells – efficient treatment and prevention methods
This study, presented by Dr. Dalit Vaizel Ohayon, was designed to obtain an in-depth understanding of biofouling formation at wells sites in the Arava region by specifying the bacterial populations living in the sealing material used during restoration.
Specification was conducted using advanced methods (NGS- Next Generation Sequencing) and in collaboration with researchers from Ben-Gurion University and the Israel Institute for Biological Research.
Using the systems described in the model, we are currently considering various means and technologies for preventing biofilm formation.
4. Managing and infiltrating water into aquifers under conditions of shortages and uncertainty – MARSOL
The study was presented by Dr. Yossi Guttman and evaluated injection of desalinated water into the aquifer. The study was supported by the FP7 European Commission and conducted in collaboration with researchers from the Volcanic Institute and Ben-Gurion University. A test site was constructed at the Menashe Rivers plant at which wells were conducted for research purposes and systems were installed to measure and monitor the unsaturated zone.
During the study, two injection tests were performed that indicated deceleration of the percolation rate as injection progresses. This finding is of great operational significance and shows that meticulous planning of the injection is necessary. The flow model that was installed and calibrated will help Mekorot prepare hydraulic recommendations for production and injection at the Menashe Rivers plant.
5. MEKLOCK – Innovative access control system for Mekorot water supply facilities
The study was presented by Gil Groskop and focused on developing an access control system for Mekorot facilities. The study was conducted in collaboration with the OutLock and Application companies.
The system that was developed includes advanced locking mechanisms and a secure, location-based identification interface that enables access control and management for system users without requirement of control-room interventions. The goal of this project is to improve control and security at company facilities nation-wide.
6. Unique perspectives of the desalination plant in Larnaca
The technology presented by Moshe Adler was designed to reduce energy consumption at the plant and lower water expenses at the desalination facility in Larnaca. The innovative solution changed the number of pressure containers based on water temperature, using shut-off valves that were installed in skids. This solution provides control over the number of pressure containers so that the pressure can be controlled and work can progress at the BEP (Best Efficiency Point) of the high-pressure pump to ensure energetic efficiency.
7. Protecting underground steel lines from external pressure
This study, presented by Orel Markovich, evaluates an alternative for the concrete coating used to protect steel lines. The study included side-support obtained by tightening up suitable filling materials and later overloading the segment under harsh conditions in order to test for deformations.
Despite the harsh conditions used in the experiment, no deformations were observed in any of the tests. Material was selected for further use while laying the line and recommendations were made for similar implementations on an additional segment. As a result, this project alone saved 5 million NIS (on a 1-km segment).
Overloading the pipeline using a heavy truck carrying a bulldozer
8. Running and operating a thermophilic anaerobic digestion facility at Shafdan
A study was presented by Tomer Kraitzer that simulates a system to treat sludge at Shafdan. The research team constructed a pilot, small-scale thermophilic anaerobic digestion system and used it to exercise operations and control. In addition, a mathematical model was constructed using Biowin software to simulate the process of treating all of the waste. The results of the pilot and the model were converted into recommendations that were accepted. The primary recommendation was to design and establish a facility for treating return sludge.
Pilot project – Thermophilic anaerobic digestion that simulates the actual digester
9. Early detection of deviations in operational systems
This study was presented by Robert Bell (from ICS2), and attempts to improve operational efficiency. An innovative system called EfficiencyGuard was activated in order to provide warnings at real time of deviations in the operational systems. The system analyzes the control data using mathematical algorithms, studies operational behavioral patterns, and provides operational managers with a holistic picture of all operational systems at the facility in order to detect hidden malfunctions at real time.
10. Advanced filtering system
This study, presented by Eti Mansharov Aluf, attempts to improve filtering technologies, reduce water lost, and prevent crystallization on the filter media. The study was conducted in collaboration with BallTech, a company that developed unique cleaning technology for filters. The BallTech filter was tested at the Zofar-220 Mekorot facility in the Arava region.
