Diagnosis of multiple non-concurrent leaks in pipelines based on a static model

In this paper, an algorithm to isolate multiple non-concurrent water leaks in pipelines is designed. This algorithm is based on a static model, which is actualized each time a leak appears and it provides the necessary information to locate each leak. Only pressure and flow measures at the ends of the pipeline are required and the leaks can appear in an arbitrary order along the pipe. Because of the methodology behind the design, this algorithm becomes simple and easy to implement in devices such as PLC or DSP, or/and can be used as analytical redundancy together with other leak diagnosis systems. Satisfactory leak isolation is shown through simulation experiments.