Sectorization and Pressure Management in Water Networks: Evaluation and Comparison of Strategies for Reducing Background Leakages.

Abstract

In water distribution networks, pressure management is a technique that allows bottom background leakages to be reduced by applying minimal intervention. On the other hand, sectorization is a technique that simplifies network management, facilitating the process of detecting, controlling and reducing these leakages. Despite its benefits, joint implementation represents a great challenge. This work compares two methodologies for reducing bottom leakages during nighttime hours: The first consists of two stages and seeks to control pressure using pressure reducing valves. The second adds an intermediate stage to carry out the sectorization of the network. The application of these methodologies to a small-scale academic network offers different leakages reduction percentages as well as variations in the behavior of the hydraulic system, in the economic cost and in the management of the devices used.