Initial Functioning Conditions vs. Transient Test-based Technique Performance for Leak Detection

This paper shows the results of transient tests executed at the Water Engineering Laboratory of the University of Perugia (WEL) for leak detection in pressurized pipes. The laboratory tests confirm the reliability of the Portable Pressure Wave Maker (PPWM) device, refined at WEL, which allows injecting a proper pressure wave in the pipe system. Precisely, it has been checked the role of the initial functioning conditions and the location of the PPWM on the acquired pressure signal for both intact and leaky pipes.