Field experience with pressure-based leakage characterisation of bulk water pipelines

A novel pressure-based leakage assessment and characterisation method was applied to a range of bulk pipelines in the field to evaluate the practical application of the method. With this method, the testing equipment, which consists of a variable speed pump unit, a water tank and measuring equipment...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Urban water journal 2019-11, Vol.16 (10), p.709-717
Main Authors: Niebuhr, D., Nsanzubuhoro, R., van Zyl, J. E.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Distribution
Leakage
Measuring instruments
Orifices
Pipes
Pressure
Submarine pipelines
Test equipment
Test procedures
urban water
Water pipelines
water supply
Water tanks
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Summary:A novel pressure-based leakage assessment and characterisation method was applied to a range of bulk pipelines in the field to evaluate the practical application of the method. With this method, the testing equipment, which consists of a variable speed pump unit, a water tank and measuring equipment, all mounted on a trailer, was connected to a bulk pipe which could be isolated. Flow was then introduced and regulated to maintain a range of set pressures, resulting in a pressure-leakage characteristic of the pipe. The test data was then interpreted using the modified orifice equation or FAVAD (Fixed and Varying Areas Discharges) concept. Fifteen pipes were assessed of which most showed significant or excessive leakage. By characterising the leakage of these pipes, useful information was obtained on the most likely leak types, sizes and possible locations. It was demonstrated that this is an effective, simple, quick and cost-effective leakage assessment method.
ISSN:1573-062X
1744-9006
DOI:10.1080/1573062X.2020.1726411