Numeric leak detection model for pipe system

Abstract

Distribution using hydraulic networks defines the planning, production, and flexibility of hydro-management in companies. However, leaks represent economic losses in terms of maintenance and fault location. In this context, the flow and pressure at the time a fault occurs, are the analysis variables. As the fust contribution of this research, we propose to simulate volumetric water losses. OpenFOAM free software is the computational tool and the turbulence model k-co was selected for fluid in transition, that is. fluid that is between the laminar and turbulent regime. The second contribution of this research consists of an algorithm to detect leaks in a pipe system. The algorithm is based on Reynolds' theorem. Regarding the results obtained with the Reynolds Theorem, we can say that results are compared with a real hydraulic network, obtaining percentage errors of 4% for the best data and 9% for the worst, and an average distance to find the leak equal to 2.7 meters was shown that the pressure drops linearly according to Darcy's law. In connection with the results, in traditional methods pressure gauges are installed along the pipes to identify this pressure drop if the number of gauges is not sufficient, the leak can pass undetected. The method proposed in this project allows locating the leak only using 2 manometers. Which makes it more practical for difficult access pipes.