EKF-based leak diagnosis schemes for pipeline networks

Abstract

This work proposes a two-step-based methodology to identify leak parameters in pipeline networks. Since complex networks consist of series and branching junctions, those two basic structures are here studied. The method relies on the availability of pressure head and flow rate measurements at the inlet as well as at all delivery points of the network for each case. As a first step the region where the leak occurs is identified on the basis of a residual analysis of flow rate which is generated between a faulty system and a nominal model. In a second step, the leak parameters are identified via the use of so-called extended Kalman filters by relying on an observability property fulfilled for both configurations. It should be mentioned that although the problem could be solved without the first step, this two-step approach simplifies the observer design, avoiding the need to sweep all possible branch positions of the leak. As illustrative examples, cases of both configurations are provided via simulation.