Pressure line in a hydroelectric power plant

In hydroelectric power plants, water is transported from the dam to the turbine via a pressure pipe. A partial or complete rupture of the pressure line leads to an increase in flow rate in the pipe that is higher than the maximum permissible flow expected. Undetected leaks lead to flooding and destruction of the power plant, resulting in a loss of energy production. For that reason it is important to measure the flow rate reliably in order to detect a pipe break and thus trigger the necessary remedial action, such as closing the pressure valve.