23rd European Symposium on Computer Aided Process Engineering

Leak Identification in a Water Distribution Network using Sparse Flow Measurements

M. Mulholland^a, A. Purdon^a, M.A. Latifi^b, C.J. Brouckaert^a and C.A. Buckley^a,    ^aSchool of Engineering, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4041, South Africa, ^bLaboratoire Réactions et Génie des Procédés (UPR n°3349), CNRS - ENSIC, Université de Lorraine, B.P.20451, 1 rue Grandville, 54001, Nancy Cedex, France

Abstract

A Linear Programming technique is proposed to balance the flows in a network, matching flow measurements where available. Where necessary, a “leak-out” flow is invoked on a pipe section in order to achieve the balance. Usually, multiple solutions are possible, and these are sounded out by progressively increasing an integrity weight for each pipe ...