Characterising the pressure-leakage response of pipe networks using the FAVAD equation

This study investigated the feasibility of characterising the pressure-leakage response of water distribution systems using the FAVAD (Fixed and Variable Area Discharges) equation, instead of the conventional N1 power equation. The study was based on 300 network models with randomly distributed leak...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Water science & technology. Water supply 2015-12, Vol.15 (6), p.1373-1382
Main Authors: Schwaller, J., van Zyl, J. E., Kabaasha, A. M.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Area
Dimensionless numbers
Engineering
Feasibility studies
Head
Hydraulics
International conferences
Leakage
Leaks
Mathematical models
Pipes
Pressure
Pressure head
Pressure reduction
Sensitivity analysis
Slope
Stress concentration
Theory
Viscoelasticity
Water distribution
Water distribution systems
Water engineering
Water shortages
Water supply
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Summary:This study investigated the feasibility of characterising the pressure-leakage response of water distribution systems using the FAVAD (Fixed and Variable Area Discharges) equation, instead of the conventional N1 power equation. The study was based on 300 network models with randomly distributed leaks and 35 networks generated through a sensitivity analysis. It was found that the leakage rate and average zone pressure head (AZP) before and after pressure reduction may be used in conjunction with the FAVAD equation to estimate the initial leakage area (A0S) and head-area slope (mS) of any system. In addition, A0S and ms were shown to provide good estimates respectively of the sum of the initial areas and head-area slopes of all the individual leaks in the system. The study found that a dimensionless leakage number may be calculated for any system and used to characterise the pressure-leakage response. Finally, the study showed that it is possible to convert between N1 and the leakage number using a simple equation.
ISSN:1606-9749
1607-0798
DOI:10.2166/ws.2015.101