ARX Smart Networks

About us

The Smart Networks competence centre for pipe network calculation (based in Aarau) offers general planning services for water, gas and district heating supplies throughout Switzerland. These include general supply planning, renewal/target network planning and documentation for quality assurance and drinking water supply in severe shortage situations.

Our focus areas

Pipe network calculation

Our services are often based on a calculation model. This is used to calculate current operating modes and as a basis for determining the technical expansion and renewal strategy for the coming decades.

Network measurement

Many assumptions have to be made when creating automated calculation models. In addition to diameters that are sometimes unknown, the k-values (pipe roughness) of the individual pipes are usually unknown. These can only be determined by comprehensive network measurements. For this purpose, we have a measurement vehicle with extensive measurement technology (60 pressure loggers, meter loggers, pressure destroyers, etc.).

System optimisation

A central task in general projects is the (regional) optimisation of the supply structure. By adapting the pressure zone concept, water storage and water sourcing, an infrastructure is designed that is as simple, robust and resilient as possible.

Our services

General planning for pipe network suppliers

The aim of general planning is to define the technical strategy for your water, gas or district heating supply for the coming decades. The first step is to assess the current state of the supply (system evaluation, supply scheme, balances, pipe network calculations, etc.). By specifically optimising the supply structure, the performance of the networks, the security of supply and crisis resilience can be significantly increased. Our planning is carried out digitally throughout: from the automated creation of the calculation model from GIS data to data delivery. For practical pipe network calculations, we rely on the calibration of the calculation models through comprehensive network measurements.

Our services are tailor-made solutions for your requirements and current problems. We would be pleased to advise you and work with you to define the optimal range of services.