Inverse transient analysis for detecting multiple branched pipeline segments in a reservoir pipeline valve system

The managment of water distribution systems is important not only for reliable water conveyance considering water quality but also for effcient asset management of pipeline infrastructure. Abnormality detection is a critical issuefor pipeline management authorities. Unknown side branches and dead ends are detrimental to efficient pipeline operation. Hence, this sudy explores a general method for detecting multiple side branches in a pipeline system. The method of caracteristics was used to simulate the transient responses of a specific branch with or without branched elements. The isolated pressure response of each branch and the interference caused by different elements of the pipeline was subsequently identified. A nonlinear valve action maneuver was considered for water hammer generation using a polynominal equation during mathmatical modeling. Experimental pressure decay patterns for various pipeline structure combinations showed differences between the numerical model and real-life system, which were explained by unsteady friction. The detection and location of side branches was achieved by considering the phase pressure bounce for which the numerical and experiment results were consistent.