Title: Network modelling and prediction of retrograde gas behaviour in natural gas pipeline systems

Authors: Tianying Jin; Luis F. Ayala H.; M. Thaddeus Ityokumbul

Addresses: John and Willie Leone Family Department of Energy and Mineral Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, USA ' John and Willie Leone Family Department of Energy and Mineral Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, USA ' John and Willie Leone Family Department of Energy and Mineral Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, USA

Abstract: As retrograde gases are transported through pipeline systems, retrograde condensation may occur. The presence of this additional liquid phase is responsible for additional pressure losses in natural gas surface production systems. Gases and liquids have markedly different routing behaviour when moving concurrently through a network system and the determination of their distribution within the network is of vital importance for retrograde gas surface transportation operations. This study is aimed at developing and testing an analytical tool that predicts phase behaviour of retrograde gas in natural gas pipeline systems. This tool will allow operators to make better decisions regarding liquid phase removal from the network, pressure loss mitigation, design and location of surface production and separation equipment with an accurate map of the pressure, phase distribution and phase property inside the network. The proposed network model for retrograde gas is able to handle realistic field situations and allows the user to effectively track liquid and gas preferential routing within the network and provide guidance for improving the performance of the entire gas pipeline system.

Keywords: retrograde gas behaviour; multiphase flow; T-junction split; phase behaviour; network modelling; prediction; natural gas pipelines; retrograde gases; retrograde condensation; pressure losses; surface transport operations; liquid phase removal; pressure map; phase distribution.

DOI: 10.1504/IJESMS.2016.077646

International Journal of Engineering Systems Modelling and Simulation, 2016 Vol.8 No.3, pp.169 - 182

Received: 12 Dec 2013
Accepted: 22 Dec 2014
Published online: 12 Jul 2016 *

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