Design and simulation of an automatic water leakage detection system in a pipeline : a case study of Kansanga water supply.

Abstract

Water leakage in water distribution systems is a serious problem for many cities and a huge challenge for water utilities, in most water-distribution systems, a large percentage of the water is lost in transit from treatment plants to consumers. Water loss can be attributed to several causes including leakages, metering errors; public usage such as fire-fighting and pipe flushing, and theft. Leakage is usually the major cause. This project analyses and reviews the existing leak detection systems, types categories of pipes and analyses and inspects the likely causes of leakages and bursts in pipes for example Corrosion of internal and external surfaces of pipe network, excessive load/stresses from road traffic, excessive water pressure; water hammer, too old pipes, poor design and mechanical damage. This research involved collection relevant data concerning Leak Detection Systems, relevant technologies that were used to design, simulate and accomplish the system. The research data collection methods included desk study, consultation, reconnaissance and document review. These were carried out with NWSC officials in order to know what likely causes of the leakages were existing, how efficiently they were determined and how fast the leakages were worked Oil. This information helped come up with the relevant requirements of the system and the technical information involved in water transportation through pipes so as to come up with a viable system. The system design depended on the characterization of the parameters which were differences in flow and differences in pressure the equation of continuity WHS used for flow and the Bernoulli's equation was used for pressure. The system was divided into three major categories that was the input unit, processing unit and the output unit. which was the display unit. The system was simulated using epanet with a network 6f pipes to act as the field and the display unit was in Microsoft visual studio. An economic analysis was carried out to prove that the system was economically viable this was done by comparing the amount of water lost due 10 leakages turned into revenue as the benefit because. It would be saved when the system is implemented and the cost of implementing the system. It was found that the system was economically viable. Some recommendations considered were that the real position of the leakage be located the pipe network.