A Stepwise Fast Leakage Localization Method Applying the Strategy of Dynamic Area Narrowing Down for Large-Scale Water Distribution Network

Urban water distribution networks (WDNs) are facing serious leakage problems. And as cities expand, the leakage localization burden on large WDNs gradually increases. Although methods have been widely researched, there is a lack of studies and successful applications for large-scale WDNs. To deal with this, a stepwise fast leakage localization method, SFLLM, that combines the ‘dynamic area narrowing down (DAND)’ strategy and coupled leakage features is proposed. The SFLLM consists of a fast and dynamic stage with the DAND strategy to reduce the potential leakage area and an accurate localization stage. Only partial representative candidate locations are simulated and using the coupled leakage features to analyze so that the localization time can be sped up significantly. SFLLM was tested on a benchmark WDN, proved saving more than 88% of simulation by DAND strategy and achieving localization in 11 s. The ability of using coupled leakage features to ensure the stability of the results in response to various types of uncertainty that may occur in real WDNs is also demonstrated. Moreover, three real burst leaks in an actual large-scale WDN were localized within 205 m in about 22 min by SFLLM, showing the method's reliable applicability in guiding field leak exploration.