Potential of Transient Tests to Diagnose Real Supply Pipe Systems: What Can Be Done with a Single Extemporary Test
Publication: Journal of Water Resources Planning and Management
Volume 137, Issue 2
Abstract
In this paper, the reliability of a transient test-based technique as a powerful tool in the management of real supply pipe systems is shown. The pressure signal acquired during the first phase of the single completed test has been analyzed on the basis of extensive research activity performed in the previous years in the field of transient test-based techniques and refined on the basis of numerical and laboratory tests. Specifically, the wavelet transform, which allows the automatic detection of singularities in noisy pressure signals, and a Lagrangian model, which evaluates the causes of discontinuities, are efficiently coupled for analyzing the pressure signal acquired in the described pipe system. As a result, the topology of such a system has been checked, and its functioning conditions have been determined. Moreover, the unwanted status of an in-line valve—certified by the manager as fully open but actually partially closed—has been pointed out.
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Acknowledgments
This research has been jointly supported by the Italian Ministry of Education, University and Research (MIUR) under the Project of Relevant National Interest “Innovative Criteria for the Sustainable Management of Water Resources in the Water Distribution Systems,” and by Fondazione Cassa Risparmio Perugia. The support of Eng. E. Blasetti and Mr. G. Faraglia of Sogea S.p.A. and Eng. I. Brunelli in the execution of the field test is really appreciated.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Water Resources Planning and Management
Volume 137 • Issue 2 • March 2011
Pages: 238 - 241
Copyright
© 2011 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Mar 25, 2009
Accepted: May 17, 2010
Published online: Jun 24, 2010
Published in print: Mar 1, 2011
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