Create software in real time locating water leaks, oil … – So Happens (blog)

Through the laws of physics and application of a mathematical model of fluid mechanics , calculated when an irregularity occurs on site Photo: Agency ID

It is common for water distribution networks, gas or oil leaks in storage tanks, pumping failures or there illegal connections. In order to avoid economic losses due to these causes, Dr. Cristina Green Rodarte, researcher at the Institute of Engineering, UNAM, designed a virtual guard who immediately detects abnormalities in any type of duct.

The software called VIVIUNAM performs logical deductions in real time, allowing you to identify the type of failure and get to the root of the problem and thus avoids waste of time, digging or manually search for the problem along the entire pipeline, said the researcher, who is also member of the Academy of Engineering. The virtual vigilante works with an algorithm, which by the laws of physics and application of a mathematical model of fluid mechanics, calculates a series of data indicating what the behavior of gas pipelines, water or oil in normal operating conditions. These, in turn, are compared with the registration of pressure measurements that generates the pipe itself and the difference between them symptoms of the presence of leakage is obtained. When the results of the mathematical model do not match the measurements recorded automatically, it is because there is an error or abnormal event, and from that scenarios are sought; for example, that the pressure sensor is disconnected, there is a leak, making illegal or generally there is a disturbance that alters the behavior of fluids pipeline.

The technology used to diagnose leaks are based on balances mass, measured charges, pressure and temperature at the ends of a pipeline without laterals. Each model calibration is performed according to the topology and physical properties and fluid duct in question. This technique is economical because it does not require additional sensors to those available in distribution pipelines, the software only requires data distribution network for the algorithm to work, completed university academic. (Agency ID)