Transient-based multiple branch detection in reservoir pipeline valve systems

Abstract

Efficient management of pipeline assets is crucial for a reliable urban water supply. Unknown side branches in pipeline systems can hinder the prediction of hydraulic transients, owing to unexpected pressure responses. Herein, we developed a method for detecting multiple side branches in a simple reservoir pipeline valve system. A polynomial-based transient characterization scheme was proposed to address nonlinear valve manoeuvres, which substantially improved the transient simulations over conventional orifice-based approximations. A procedure for pressure signal manipulation via the superimposition of pressure signals with and without branches and isolation of the interference between various branched elements, which distorted the pressure response of multiple branches, was introduced. The model performance was evaluated by comparing the interference-isolated signals obtained from the conventional method, proposed scheme, and experimental datasets. Effective phase matching of the pressure responses obtained via the proposed scheme and experimental data indicated the potential of the former for detecting multiple branches.