Pipe network blockage detection by frequency response and genetic algorithm technique

This paper deals with detection of pipeline blockage location. For this, four branched pipe network models, viz. Model 1, Model 2, Model 3 and Model 4, are considered. The first two models are considered for analytical analysis and the second two models are considered for experimental analysis. For Model 1 and Model 2, the transfer matrix method is used to develop pressure frequency diagrams. Number of peaks exceeding the threshold value is considered as a variable to find the blockage location. In Model 3 and Model 4, blockage is created by partial valve closure and periodic oscillation is created by the end valve, manually. Time domain transient pressure data are analysed by the discrete Fourier transformation technique. Afterwards, an attempt is made to establish a relationship towards detection of blockage location using a genetic algorithm. This method is applied for 10%, 20%, 30% and 40% blockage of mean pipe diameter. It is found that location of blockage is independent of number of oscillations. Pressure and velocity of fluid inside the pipeline has negligible influence towards the calculation of blockage detection. New relationships and sensitivity analysis show that blockage location is directly proportional to length of maximum straight pipeline, and square root of pressure peaks.