Steady State Performance Simulation of Natural Gas Pipeline Driven by Compressor Stations

Author(s):  
S. M. Suleiman ◽  
Y. G. Li

Natural gas pipeline plays an important role in transporting natural gas over a long distance. Its performance and operating behavior are affected by many factors, such as ambient conditions, natural gas flow rate, operation and control of compressor pumping stations, etc. Better understanding of the performance and behavior of an integrated pipeline-compressor system used for gas transmission will be beneficial to both design and operation of natural gas pipelines. This paper introduces a novel steady-state thermodynamic performance simulation approach for natural gas pipelines based on fundamental thermodynamics with the inclusion of the coupling between a pipeline and compressor pumping stations. A pipeline resistance model, a compressor performance model characterized by an empirical compressor map and a pipeline control schedule for the operation of an integrated pipeline-compressor system are included in the simulation approach. The novel approach presented in this paper allows the analysis of the thermodynamic coupling between compressors and pipes and the off-design performance analysis of the integrated pipeline-compressor system. The introduced simulation approach has been applied to the performance simulation of a typical model pipeline driven by multiple centrifugal compressor pumping stations. It is assumed in the pipeline control schedule that the total pressure at the inlet of compressor stations is kept constant when pipeline operating condition changes. Such pipeline operating conditions include varying ambient temperature and varying natural gas volumetric flow rate. The performance behavior of the pipeline corresponding to the change of operating conditions has been successfully simulated. The introduced pipeline performance simulation approach is generic and can be applied to different pipeline-compressor systems.

Gases ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (4) ◽  
pp. 156-179
Author(s):  
Abubakar Jibrin Abbas ◽  
Hossein Hassani ◽  
Martin Burby ◽  
Idoko Job John

As an alternative to the construction of new infrastructure, repurposing existing natural gas pipelines for hydrogen transportation has been identified as a low-cost strategy for substituting natural gas with hydrogen in the wake of the energy transition. In line with that, a 342 km, 36″ natural gas pipeline was used in this study to simulate some technical implications of delivering the same amount of energy with different blends of natural gas and hydrogen, and with 100% hydrogen. Preliminary findings from the study confirmed that a three-fold increase in volumetric flow rate would be required of hydrogen to deliver an equivalent amount of energy as natural gas. The effects of flowing hydrogen at this rate in an existing natural gas pipeline on two flow parameters (the compressibility factor and the velocity gradient) which are crucial to the safety of the pipeline were investigated. The compressibility factor behaviour revealed the presence of a wide range of values as the proportions of hydrogen and natural gas in the blends changed, signifying disparate flow behaviours and consequent varying flow challenges. The velocity profiles showed that hydrogen can be transported in natural gas pipelines via blending with natural gas by up to 40% of hydrogen in the blend without exceeding the erosional velocity limits of the pipeline. However, when the proportion of hydrogen reached 60%, the erosional velocity limit was reached at 290 km, so that beyond this distance, the pipeline would be subject to internal erosion. The use of compressor stations was shown to be effective in remedying this challenge. This study provides more insights into the volumetric and safety considerations of adopting existing natural gas pipelines for the transportation of hydrogen and blends of hydrogen and natural gas.


Author(s):  
Luke Baker ◽  
Dieter Armbruster ◽  
Anna Scaglione ◽  
Rodrigo B Platte

Abstract A framework for natural gas pipelines is developed in a context similar to the theory of electric transmission lines. The system of semi-linear partial differential equations describing the time-dependent flow of natural gas is linearized around the steady-state flow. Additional approximations lead to a constant coefficient linear system that is equivalent to an electrical circuit that is analytically solvable and admits an ABCD matrix representation of input and output. The sinusoidal steady-state operation of natural gas pipelines is analysed including the distortion of waves. It is shown that the timing of the propagation of phases and other events is accurately represented in the approximation. The quantitative accuracy for flux and gas density of the approximation depending on different operating scenarios and depending on the frequency of the disturbances is documented.


Author(s):  
Kaushik Das ◽  
Debashis Basu ◽  
Xihua He ◽  
Stuart Stothoff ◽  
Kevin Supak ◽  
...  

T-sectioned configurations with a deadleg at the stopple are present in natural gas pipelines, where liquid water may accumulate, increasing the potential for internal corrosion. The objectives of the present study are to explore the pipeline operating conditions under which water enters the deadleg and define an operating protocol to prevent water accumulation in deadlegs. A combined computational fluid dynamics (CFD) experimental and analytical study was conducted to understand the behavior of liquid slugs at the T-junctions with dead ends. The flow equations were solved as an unsteady multiphase (gas and water) incompressible flow problem using the Volume of Fluid (VoF) Method. The analytical calculations were based on a modified form of the macroscopic mechanical energy balance equation. In order to computationally simulate the critical velocity at which water enters the deadleg, the inlet gas flow rate was specified to be a fixed value, while the water flow rate was gradually increased. The liquid entirely bypasses the deadleg until the liquid water velocity exceeds a critical value, which was noted as the critical superficial liquid velocity. The experimental study was conducted using a flow loop to understand the behavior of liquid water at the T-junction and determine the condition when liquid enters the deadleg. The analytical and computed solutions were compared with experimental observations. The computed results follow the same pattern as the experimental and analytical data. Solutions indicate that critical superficial liquid velocity is linearly dependent on superficial inlet gas velocity.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Qingmin Hou ◽  
Daheng Yang ◽  
Xiaoyan Li ◽  
Guanghua Xiao ◽  
Siu Chun Michael Ho

The leakage rate is an essential parameter for the risk assessment and failure analysis of natural gas pipelines. The leakage rate of a natural gas pipeline should be calculated quickly and accurately to minimize consequences. First, in this study, models to estimate the leakage rate of natural gas pipelines are reclassified, and the theoretical range of application for each model is also analysed. Second, the impact of the leakage on the flow rate upstream of the leak point is considered, and the method of successive approximation is used to realize this feedback effect of flow rate change. Then, a modified hole-pipe model is developed to calculate the natural gas leakage rate in this paper. Compared with the leakage rate calculated by the hole-pipe model, the leakage rate calculated by the modified hole-pipe model is smaller and closer to the actual leakage rate due to the consideration of the feedback effect of the flow rate change. Finally, the leakage rate curves of the hole-pipe model and the modified hole-pipe model under different d/D conditions are obtained through simulation. The simulation results show that the modified hole-pipe model is able to calculate the leakage rate of any leak aperture, such as the hole-pipe model, and also at a higher accuracy level than the hole-pipe model.


2013 ◽  
Vol 401-403 ◽  
pp. 2170-2174 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ya Ping Yang ◽  
Yong Mei Hao ◽  
Zhi Xiang Xing

A Bayesian network quantitative calculation model for urban natural gas pipelines was established by using the unique logic of a Bayesian network in handling complicated risk systems. By using a natural gas pipeline as an example, failure situations such as single factor polymorphism, double factor polymorphism, and multi-factor polymorphism of a pipeline were quantitatively calculated to obtain the probability of top events and the structural importance of basic factors. The proposed method not only reflects clearly the effects of different factors but also predicts the failure state of urban natural gas pipelines comprehensively and accurately. The results of the proposed method can serve as a significant reference for the risk management and fault processing of city natural gas pipelines.


2013 ◽  
Vol 58 (1) ◽  
pp. 131-144
Author(s):  
Andrzej Osiadacz

This work presents a transient, non-isothermal compressible gas flow model that is combined with a hydrate phase equilibrium model. It enables, to determine whether hydrates could form under existing operating conditions in natural gas pipelines. In particular, to determine the time and location at which the natural gas enters the hydrate formation region. The gas flow is described by a set of partial differential equations resulting from the conservation of mass, momentum, and energy. Real gas effects are determined by the predictive Soave-Redlich-Kwong group contribution method. By means of statistical mechanics, the hydrate model is formulated combined with classical thermodynamics of phase equilibria for systems that contain water and both hydrate forming and non-hydrate forming gases as function of pressure, temperature, and gas composition. To demonstrate the applicability a case study is conducted.


1972 ◽  
Vol 94 (3) ◽  
pp. 181-186 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. T. Robinson

An expression is developed for natural gas pipeline flow in terms of station power rather than the usual differences in the squares of the pressures, thus making it possible to directly evaluate the relative worth of power addition to existing lines or evaluate pipe versus power for new lines. Specific power requirements in terms of power per unit flow are combined with engine fuel requirements, making it possible to express station fuel consumed as a percentage of gas pumped, thus providing a figure of merit for various power plant-compressor systems. It is pointed out that with increasing gas costs and higher flow systems, the use of an axial flow gas line compressor should be examined because of the promise of higher efficiency obtainable with such a machine.


Author(s):  
Jung-Suk Lee ◽  
Jang-Bog Ju ◽  
Jae-il Jang ◽  
Dongil Kwon ◽  
Woo-sik Kim

There are buried natural gas pipelines of which total length amounts to about 2.1×106m in Korea, and it is very important issue to evaluate FFS (Fitness-for-service) when a crack-like flaw was found in operating pipelines. But, the research about this had not yet been performed in Korea. So, this study constructed a FFS code appropriate to Korean natural gas pipeline through comparing and analyzing API 579 and BS 7910 that are lately. In addition, we developed the user-friendly software based on FFS code, so that field service workers who have little idea about fracture mechanics can use easily. The best merit of this code is that it is possible to evaluate FFS for welding HAZ in Korea natural gas pipeline.


2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xian Shan ◽  
Kang Liu ◽  
Pei-Liang Sun

Pipeline is the major mode of natural gas transportation. Leakage of natural gas pipelines may cause explosions and fires, resulting in casualties, environmental damage, and material loss. Efficient risk analysis is of great significance for preventing and mitigating such potential accidents. The objective of this study is to present a practical risk assessment method based on Bow-tie model and Bayesian network for risk analysis of natural gas pipeline leakage. Firstly, identify the potential risk factors and consequences of the failure. Then construct the Bow-tie model, use the quantitative analysis of Bayesian network to find the weak links in the system, and make a prediction of the control measures to reduce the rate of the accident. In order to deal with the uncertainty existing in the determination of the probability of basic events, fuzzy logic method is used. Results of a case study show that the most likely causes of natural gas pipeline leakage occurrence are parties ignore signage, implicit signage, overload, and design defect of auxiliaries. Once the leakage occurs, it is most likely to result in fire and explosion. Corresponding measures taken on time will reduce the disaster degree of accidents to the least extent.


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