Real‐Time Leak Isolation Based on State Estimation with Fitting Loss Coefficient Calibration in a Plastic Pipeline

This paper presents a leak isolation methodology using a fitting loss coefficient calibration. Two stages are considered for this purpose: First, the equivalent straight length (ESL) is fixed by an model‐base observer designed as an extended Kalman filter. Once the leak is detected, the previous observer is stopped and the second system, based on an algebraic observer, is started with the ESL value fixed by the previous observer. Finally, the estimated leak position is recovered in original coordinates since the observer deal with ESL coordinates. In order to tackle the friction variations problem, the so‐called Swamee‐Jain equation is embedded explicitly, instead of a constant parameter as in other studies. The approach assumes only flow and pressure sensors at the ends of the duct. Experimental results with data obtained from a plastic pipeline prototype are presented to assess the method efficiency.