Leakage estimation in water networks based on the BABE and MNF analyses: a case study in Gavankola village, Iran

Abstract

Calculating the water loss and leakage in the water distribution networks (WDNs) are performed for various reasons such as monitoring and optimizing, active control, estimating economical damage, and predicting the demand in the network development plans. In this research, two leakage calculation methods including Background and Bursts Estimates (BABE) and Minimum Night Flow (MNF) have been evaluated for a rural network in the north of Iran with a high non-revenue water (NRW) percentage of 47%. Initially, the data related to the inlet flow rate of the network and the average pressure at zone were measured using ultrasonic flow meters and pressure transmitter, respectively. Then, remote data loggers collected these data. With the water loss analyses based on the BABE method (annually) and based on the MNF technique (every 10 minutes), the average leak was found to be 1.45 and 1.105 Lit/s, respectively. Also, according to hydraulic and consumption conditions, the highest frequency of MNF occurrence was observed at 00:00 and 05:00. Moreover, the effects of Legitimate Night-time Consumption (LNC) and leakage exponent (N) were evaluated. The results indicate that determining the LNC, especially in the networks in which the domestic customers use private tanks is significantly important.

Leakage Management and Pipe System Efficiency. Its Influence in the Improvement of the Efficiency Indexes

“…Above €10,000,000 13 cases reached values of up to €100,000,000 Similarly, the average annual energy cost lost is €121,400 with quartiles €51,270 and €647,400 as shown in Figure 6b. The leak calculation methods such as BABE, MNF, and water balance were applied and compared in different case studies, which were defined by [117,118]. The analysis was established to determine the real water loss in million m 3 /year as shown in Table 8.…”

“…The analysis was established to determine the real water loss in million m 3 /year as shown in Table 8. The leak calculation methods such as BABE, MNF, and water balance were applied and compared in different case studies, which were defined by [117,118]. The analysis was established to determine the real water loss in million m 3 /year as shown in Table 8.…”

“…Using the MNF and BABE methods, the average of real water loss in the studied region was calculated at 28% and 37%, respectively. According to the results of the BABE method, the highest leakage values were related to the reported bursts and the background leaks from connections [118]. The water balance method is the difference between the volume of water injected into the network concerning the volume of water consumed.…”

Evaluation of service pressure regulation strategy on the performance of a rural water network based on pulse demand; using the method of characteristics

“…By estimating the average DMA pressure, average zone point, and leakage exponent (N), the night-to-day factor (NDF) value is calculated according to Equation (1). Then, the leakage of the 24-hour period (Q loss,d ) in DMA is calculated by NDF (Equation ( 2)) (Negharchi & Shafaghat 2020).…”

“…Therefore, research in this field can help managers in better strategy planning at this event. In some areas (even Mediterranean countries), Customers try to deal with water scarcity by private tanks (De Marchis & Freni 2015;Negharchi & Shafaghat 2020). Privet tanks often magnify the actual needs of customers.…”