Optimal detection of leakage in water supply pipe networks
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Date
2021-12
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G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar - 263145 (Uttarakhand)
Abstract
Water transportation is facilitated by pipeline network and is one of the safest modes of water transportation. In terms of lost revenue and service problem, leaks in pipe networks generate considerable challenges for utilities and water users. Leak in pipelines can be caused due to corrosion of pipe wall, poor fitting, abnormal pressure, etc. So, designing a leak detection technique is challenging. However, a physical measurement technique is widely used to detect leakage at the pipeline level. The length of distribution pipe network in large cities might be thousands of kilometers. As a result, physical measures can become time-consuming and costly. In this study, a nonlinear optimization model is developed for optimal detection of leak in water distribution system subjected to constraints like continuity equation, energy (head loss) equation and pressure-dependent leakage. The model applicability has been illustrated using examples of water distribution network. The simulation model has been solved in EPANET 2.2 and then, the nonlinear optimization model has been solved using LINGO 18.0 software. Leaks are assumed to be concentrated at the nodes. Different situations are analyzed for finding the leaks at different locations. The major conclusion drawn from the study shows that with the increase in number of observed heads, more precise leak location can be identified. The optimal detection of leak location are sensitive to variations in friction coefficient. This study will be helpful to water supply engineers and water managers.