Real-Time Analysis and Digital Twin Modeling for CFD-Based Air Valve Control During Filling Procedures

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

1.          The introduction mentions that a 2D computational model has been established. However, if the main innovation of this paper is merely the adoption of a 3D model for simulation, this level of innovation is insufficient. Therefore, the innovation points and research motivation need further refinement.

2.          The text in Figure 2 is unclear and should be optimized for better readability.

3.          In Table 1, the initial conditions selected should have a basis that aligns more closely with practical applications; this needs to be explained in the paper.

4.          Regarding the inlet gas-liquid mixture flow, different flow patterns can lead to various inlet characteristics. How is the gas-liquid mixing state at the inlet considered during the numerical simulation?

5.          Furthermore, the SST k-ω model requires the y+ value in the boundary layer to be less than 1; the specific y+ values for this model need to be provided.

6.          During the validation of numerical simulation accuracy, it is necessary to quantify the maximum error and further explain the reasons for its occurrence.

7.          The following references may help you improve your manuscript. International Journal of Fluid Engineering 1, 043901 (2024). International Journal of Fluid Engineering 1, 013503 (2024).

8.          Acronyms should be defined upon their first appearance in the text.

9.          The conclusion needs to be further refined to enhance its clarity and persuasiveness.

Comments on the Quality of English Language

The language of the paper is readable but needs further improvement.

Author Response

Dear Reviewer 1,

Please see the enclosed file. 

 

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The paper presents a study of air release dynamics in water pipelines using CFD and real-time data. The research focuses on filling irregular-profile pipelines and controlling air release via air valves, using a Digital Twin framework that integrates big data and AI to simulate and optimize water pipeline filling. In general, this paper is innovative, robust and interesting for the community. The reviewer believes that this paper can be publish as it is; however, recommends considering the following  aspects:

11.      The methodology focuses too much on the CFD model explaining the NS equation, etc. I suggest moving this in the supplemental information and add much more details on the development of the digital twin and the experiments. For example, explain better figure 1.

22.       Discuss briefly how do you envision this system to be scaled up to larger, real-world pipeline systems.

33.      Explain when it is worth developing and utilizing complex models like the one presented in the paper. There is certainly an economic and environmental cost associated with implementation of sensors, computations and other resources.  

Author Response

Dear Reviewer 2:

 

Please see the enclosed file.

 

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 3 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

Digital technologies are an integral part of the water sector, and this article addresses them. Trapped air is a difficult and significant problem in water systems. The article presents an innovative approach to solving the problem modeling, which is definitely better than the known solutions using drain holes. In my opinion, the article is suitable for publication in its current form.

Author Response

Dear Reviewer:

 

Thank you so much.

 

 

Round 2

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

Manuscripts can be accepted.

Comments on the Quality of English Language

Minor editing of English language required.