Transient analysis of extended blockages in pipeline systems

This paper investigates the effect that an extended blockage has on a transient signal by examining numerical and experimental results in the time and frequency domains. Extended blockages and pipe constrictions can significantly change the fundamental frequency of a pipeline and the maximum transient pressure head. Consideration of such faults is important in pipeline design, repair and rehabilitation and significant changes to the transient signal imposed by the blockage show that the nature of the transient trace can indicate the presence of an extended blockage. Furthermore, the ability of existing models to represent the pipeline fault under transient conditions is evaluated. © BHR Group 2012 Pressure Surges 11