Analysis of Demand and Leakage Distributing Uniformly Along Pipes

It is well known that leakage is a kind of pressure-dependent flow in water distribution systems. Usually leakages are assumed at linked nodes, with no water flowing out along pipes. Simulation results based on this assumption may create a distortion in the momentum losses, and pressure-dependent leakage may deviate from real value. This paper proposes a new methodology based on the assumption that demand and pressure-dependent leakage distribute uniformly along pipes. The new methodology includes the hydraulic resistance correction model with regard to energy conservation. The results from the traditional and new assumptions are compared and shown that the proposed new method is more realistic, especially in modelling leakage, which is sensitive to pressure.