Numerical Analysis of a Mobile Leakage-Detection System for a Water Pipeline Network

Abstract

The leakages in water pipeline networks sometimes negatively affect the environment, health, and economy. Therefore, leak detection methods play a crucial role in detecting and localizing leaks. These methods are categorized into internal and external detection methods, each having its advantages and certain limitations. The internal system has its detection based on the field sensors to monitor internal pipeline parameters such as temperature and pressure, thereby inferring a leak. However, the mobility of the sensing module in the pipeline is affected by the model drag coefficient. The low drag coefficient causes the module to quickly lost control in the pipeline leading to false detection. Therefore, this study is about designing and numerically analysing a new model to achieve a higher drag value of the sensing system. The drag value of various models is determined with the help of CFD simulations in ANSYS. The outcome of this study is a new model with a drag value of 0.6915. It was achieved by implementing an aerodynamic shape, a more significant surface contact area in the middle, and canted fins at the front of the module. Both pressures, drag, and skin friction were increased, so a higher drag value of the sensing module can be achieved. Through this, the mobility and control of modules in the pipeline can be improved, improving leak detection accuracy.