Calibration of Fitting Loss Coefficients for modelling purpose of a plastic pipeline

Motivated by the sensitivity of model-based monitoring algorithms to the so-called Equivalent Straight Length (ESL) of a pipeline, this paper proposes an experiment-based calibration of this parameter and also for the values of the Fitting Loss Coefficients (FLC). This comes as an alternative to achieve a better description of the real flow behavior in a pipeline than the modelling obtained by using the FLC from the manufacturer data-sheet. The proposed calibration method relies on a flow modelling, and Kalman observer-based estimation of the FLC of a pipeline. The friction coefficient in the model is estimated by the explicit so-called Swamee-Jain equation. The approach only assumes sensors of flow and pressure at the ends of the duct. Experimental results are presented.