Implementation of the Hydraulic Transient and Steady Oscillatory Flow with Genetic Algorithms for Leakage Detection in Real Water Distribution Networks

A computational tool for leakage, detection in a real water distribution system was developed by the Water Distribution and Sewer Systems Research Center at the Universidad de los Andes in Bogota - Colombia, supported by the Colombian Institute for Science and Technology Development Francisco Jose de Caldas — COLCIENCIAS. In this research a methodology was developed focused in leakage detection in a real water distribution system. The methodology can simulate non steady flow and steady oscillatory flow. This methodology is based on a recent approach known as inverse transient analysis with genetic algorithms and uses observed pressure data, collected during the occurrence of transient events in a real network, generated by a sudden valve closure, to find the optimal location of the leak with genetic algorithms. This optimal location must minimize the difference between calculated and observed data. The methodology was tested and verified with experimental data collected in a real network located in the town of Chia, near Colombian District Capital Bogota. The Chia network was selected because of its relatively small size and homogeneity of pipe material (PVC). This paper was presented at the 8th Annual Water Distribution Systems Analysis Symposium which was held with the generous support of Awwa Research Foundation (AwwaRF).