Referenced model-based observers for locating leaks in a branched pipeline

摘要

This article presents novel results on the detection and isolation of single leaks in a pipeline with a branch junction by measuring only the flow rate and pressure at the ends of the line. For the solution of this realistic issue, which commonly occurs in pipeline networks, the position of the branch junction and its flow rate are supposed to be known. The idea consists of deriving a model with the branch position as a reference point such that the leak position can be characterized for two possible orientations (upstream and downstream of the branch junction) with only one parameter: a deviation from a prescribed nominal position located between one of the pipeline ends and the branch. The proposed methodology includes three detection observers. One is designed to detect only the orientation of the leak with respect to the branch junction, and the other two observers are designed from referenced third-order models with only one deviation parameter to be estimated. Simulation and experimental results show the performance of the proposition.