DETERMINATION OF IMPORTANT FLOW CHARACTERISTICS FOR LEAK DETECTION IN WATER PIPELINES-NETWORKS

The accuracy of a leak detection method depends greatly on the flow and leak parameters in a given pipeline. This paper gives some insight into the flow characteristics around simulated small leaks. The present computational fluid dynamics (CFD) studies have indicated clear distinctive features in fluid pressure and fluid acceleration that can be used for the early detection of small leaks (< 1 % of the total flow) in water distribution pipelines. The present CFD simulations based on a steady state standard k - epsilon turbulent flow model are carried out for different pressure lines in 4 in. (100 m) ID pipe. Based on these simulations, it has been found out that the pressure gradients in the vicinity of the leaks are quite large, hence a leak detection method based on pressure gradient measurement is proposed. In addition, these simulations have shown remarkable gradients in the axial flow acceleration along the centerline of the pipe. These discovered flow features can offer another leak detection method based on the use of accelerometers.