Author(s): Muhammad Waqar; Moez Louati; Mohamed S. Ghidaoui
Linked Author(s): Moez LOUATI, Mohamed S. Ghidaoui, Muhammad Waqar
Keywords: Hydraulic transients; Infrastructure; Leak detection; Pipelines; Water supply
Abstract: Urban water supply systems, essential yet often compromised by leaks, face significant water and energy losses. Hydraulic transient-based methods, effective for diagnosing these issues, typically use in-line or end-valves to induce waves; however, these are impractical in settings where pipelines are buried under building infrastructure. As an accessible alternative, fire hydrants have been adapted to generate necessary transient waves, as evidenced by studies such as Waqar et al. (2021) and Alexander et al. (2023). However, these access points significantly alter defect characteristics, a topic that remains underexplored. Recent research by Ferrante (2022) demonstrated that impedance mismatches in hydrant line-to-main pipe connections act as a filter, altering wave characteristics and posing potential safety risks from excessive pressures. Building on these insights, this paper analyzes how such changes in wave properties impact leak detection in urban water systems.
Year: 2024