Leak detection in long pipelines using the least squares method

A new method of leak detection in long pipelines is proposed. This method is a computer-based real-time technique to detect and locate leaks in pipelines conveying liquids. The new method utilizes a deterministic trial and error scheme to minimize squares of deviations between measured and computed quantities. The deviations would be minimal if an agreement is achieved between a leak in the actual system and a numerically simulated trial leak imposed by the RTMwith as close a discharge, location and time of occurrence as possible to the actual leak. The advantage of this proposed method is that the model works in parallel with the actual system to make use of the first leak impact on boundary quantities. An experimental work using a 300m pipe was carried out to verify the applicability of the approach. The new technique produced a fairly accurate estimation of the leak location and size even during severe transient flow conditions