Accuracy assessment of leak localisation method depending on available measurements

Abstract

Model-based leak localization methods are currently developed and applied to real cases. The performance and success of such methods depend highly both on models [Pérez et al. (2011a)] and the measurements available. The optimal distribution of sensors is a good approach [Pérez et al. (2009)]. Nevertheless, in a huge network with hundreds of District Metered Area (DMA) the question of how the methodology can help with the sensors already installed in the network arises. This paper presents a sequence of steps to assess the performance of a given leakage localization methodology [Quevedo et al. (2011)]. Initially, flow sensors at the control points are used, and inner pressure sensors are added sequentially, since flows are often measured in the network control points and pressure sensors are a common choice for new installed sensors. Using the available sensors information, an investment-precision relationship indicator is proposed. The assessment is applied to a real network situated in Barcelona.