Seoul City Enhances Arisu Quality Using 'Digital Twin-Based Technology'

Building 3D Models Identical to Reality in Virtual Space for Analysis, Diagnosis, and Prediction of Water Purification Systems
Visualizing Invisible Water Flow, Intensity, Stagnant Areas, and Retention Time to Present Results

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] On the 16th, Seoul City announced that it has independently developed a ‘digital twin-based water purification system improvement technology’ that creates a 3D water purification center identical to reality in a cyber virtual space to accurately analyze and diagnose water purification processes and facilities, and derive optimal solutions through simulations.

The newly developed technology builds a precise 3D model in cyberspace and inputs big data analysis results of on-site water quality and process information such as water flow and intensity, and chemical concentration distribution. Through computational fluid dynamics, it can produce various simulation results. It visualizes invisible water flow, intensity, stagnation areas, and retention time precisely using colors and lines to present predictive outcomes.

Water purification centers that produce tap water consist of diverse and complex processes organically connected. To prepare for process issues and improve efficiency, accurate analysis, diagnosis, and prediction are essential. Proceeding with construction based solely on ideas without precise performance prediction can lead to reduced efficiency or increased construction costs.

By utilizing this technology, various trial and error experiences in the field can be minimized while efficiently managing facilities and optimizing water purification processes to produce safe tap water. It is also expected to contribute to budget savings and improve facility safety in relation to the recent enforcement of the Serious Accident Punishment Act. For example, when facilities are aging and require upgrades, or when new facilities need to be installed to enhance water purification process efficiency, simulations can be conducted in virtual space, and the results can be applied on-site.

Seoul City is currently applying this technology in actual field operations. From 2019, when technology development began, until last year, it was used in eight water supply facility improvements and process diagnoses, including water purification centers and reservoirs, improving process efficiency and safety. Methods for efficiently arranging structures such as ‘flow walls’ installed to improve water flow in reservoirs and proposals for duplicating chlorine injection facilities have significantly enhanced the safety of facilities and water purification processes.

Seoul City plans to actively apply this technology to various water purification center maintenance projects in the future. Additionally, this year, it plans to introduce a ‘particle analysis system’ that can accurately analyze and interpret foreign substances (turbidity) in water using digital twin technology. Son Jeong-su, Director of the Seoul Water Institute, said, “We expect to enhance the safety and efficiency of facilities by expanding the advanced technologies secured by the institute to various water supply fields,” and added, “We will nurture and actively support related experts to proactively secure and develop new technologies utilizing 4th industrial revolution technologies in the water supply sector in the future.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.