An overview of leaks and intrusion for different pipe materials and failures

Most leak management methods are focused on quantifying water losses, directly related to energy and resource waste. In this research work, a comprehensive review on relationship and modelling between pipe leaks, materials, and type of failures is presented. Information necessary to study the main defects of pipe materials has been compiled and the different causes of pipe failures were reviewed and analysed. As a result, types of failures were identified depending on the pipe surrounding, pipe material and mechanisms and stresses that support the pipes. A deep focus of the leak problem is presented, analysing intrusion flows and the related pressure variation using the volume through simple orifices with fixed and variable discharge area: Fixed And Variable Area Discharge (FAVAD theory). Finally, a new relationship is proposed between pipe defects and discharge coefficients, depending on the flow through failures (induced by leaks or intrusions).