Leak Detection And Monitoring In Hydraulic Networks

Managing water distribution systems includes detection of leaks to improve the effectiveness of the service. The section of a hydraulic network where a leak occurs can be detected if the SCADA SYSTEM is coupled to a software based on the Method of Characteristics (MOC), which is, presently, the best one to simulate steady and unsteady flows, as shown by illustrative examples in this paper. The paper shows the basic equations and describes the basis of the computer program and corresponding network topology description that provide the engineer with the easiest way to simulate network operation. The use of MOC, for both steady and unsteady flow monitoring, facilitates the network calibration in order to reduce the sensitivity of the data errors due to inaccuracy in the value of friction factors.