Leak Estimation Method for Complex Pipelines With Branch Junctions

Abstract

This work proposes a methodology to estimate positions of leaks in pipelines with multiple elevation profiles and branch junctions in which only data of pressure and flow at the extremes of the pipeline and the branch junctions are assumed known. The key of the proposition is the error of the position at the branch junction in the presence of leaks. Specifically, the sign of the error determines if the leak is located downstream or upstream from the branch junction. This information then allows us to obtain static equations which characterize the leak position. To simplify the leak position expression, the piezometric variable instead of the pressure head is used for its derivation. Simulation results and real industrial data tests acquired from a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) pipeline of 60 km with five elevation profiles and one branch junction with known extraction flow and position show the potentiality of the suggested method.