Abstract

In this paper we design a model based method to locate a leakage and estimate its size in a gas network, using a linearised version of an hyperbolic PDE. To do this, the problem is reduced to two identical ODEs, allowing in this way for a representation of the pressure as well as the mass flow in terms of its system of fundamental solutions. Then using the available measurements at the grid boundary points, the correspondent coefficients can be determined. Assuming pressure continuity, we check for consistency of the coefficients in order to find faulty pipelines. Thence, the location of the leakage can be found either graphically or using a numerical method for a specific pipe. Next, its size can also be estimated. ISR Coimbra, Centre CMAT-Pole CMAT-UTAD, Brag