Locating Blockage and Leak in Piping Systems Based on Valve Stroking

Abstract

In this paper, numerical simulations were conducted to investigate the detection of blockages and leaks in piping systems, and the method’s applicability was confirmed by comparing it with data from previous studies. The study explores the effects of using pressure waves generated by different valve closing times, closing methods, and openings to detect blockage and leakage locations. The results demonstrate that extending the valve closing time reduces the maximum pressure in the piping system, but it also makes it harder to identify information about blockages and leaks, thus hindering their location. However, a two-stage valve closure can effectively suppress the amplitude of pressure in the pipeline. The wavelet transform method is capable of accurately detecting the location of sudden pressure changes caused by blockages and leaks in the pipeline using various valve regulation methods. Furthermore, when the valve is partially closed, the pressure wave generated will be reflected as it propagates toward the blockage and leakage location, resulting in a significant sudden pressure change at the valve. Finally, this paper confirms the feasibility of using pressure waves generated by partially closed valves and the combined adjustment of two valves to locate blockage and leakage in the piping system.