Studying a leakage detection method in pressurized water networks based on the pressure- leakage relation (Presentation of Optimization Code for Locating Leakage)

Estimation of leakage in a network consists of several attributes, such as unauthorized use, minor leaks and networking events whose natures are different from each other. The most important attributes are large losses due to breakage and major leaks which in addition to wasting fresh water resources, will lead to water pollution and problems for the buildings. In this paper, leakage detection methods which are based on optimization were studied and compared. A Matlab code was presented based on an algorithm with minimized objective function and the relationship between pressure loss and the potential leakage locations. The verification of the method was carried out by assuming the optimization of least squared error between calculated values (Pressure– Leakage Relation) and observed data (the assumption of occurrence leakage in nodes). The offered code could well identify the hypothetical leaking nodes and leakage value distributed between them by minimizing pressure differences. The results of running the model and comparing the observed data with the model using the optimal method of leak detection methods, showed that aside from appropriate method selection and calibration of the model, in order to have more accurate estimation of the location and amount of leakages in the network, field surveys and piezometer readings should be carried out so that the consumption pattern of the studied area and illegal branches were identified.