Effect of pipe materials on BLE using graph-based integrated hydraulic model

Abstract

The battle of background leakage estimate (BLE) in water supply networks has been the subject of discussion in the last years. This paper aims to investigate the effect of pipe materials with particular reference to their impact on the BLE in looped water supply networks using a graph-based integrated hydraulic model. In the applications, the hydraulic modelling was carried out through steady-state flow modelling. The model was demonstrated on a water supply network derived from the literature. The results obtained evidence the influence of pipe materials on the background leakage estimation. The effect is more pronounced on very smooth and new cast iron or welded steel pipe while the least effect on BLE is observed when oil cast iron and bricks is considered.