Identifying Position and Amount of Two Simultaneous Leaks in Water Supply Networks by Two-step Algorithm

Leakage in water distribution system is a crucial issue because of problems such as water loss, water pollution, and land subsidence. Current leakage detection methods are usually costly and time-consuming, therefore new methods have been developed based on water networks simulation. In this paper, a new method for identifying the location and amount of leakage in water distribution system based on a two-step Algorithm is introduced. The first (Stepped Algorithm) and second (Firefly Algorithm) steps for determination of leak location and amount of leakage are respectively used which is applicable for even two simultaneous leaks. The proposed method is based on the comparison of the network hydraulic simulation results and some field network data (pressure or flow or their combination). The obtained results for six examples in a looped-water network are presented. The results show that the proposed algorithm is able to locate either one leak or two simultaneous leaks and their leakage values with less than 8% error. The proposed method developed in this paper can be utilized by operators of water supply networks for identifying the position and amount of leaks.