Optimization of Natural Gas Transport in Pipeline
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Date
2013-10
Authors
Adeyanju, O.
Oyekunle, L.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Centre for Advanced Training and Research
Abstract
Transportation of natural gas is a very important aspect of the oil and gas industry and as such, it must be done with a much efficiency. Pipelines has been recognized as the most economic, effective and safest way of transporting natural gas. A lot of capital is needed, due to cost of pipeline, compressor stations and also in its maintenance. Therefore in order to minimizing cost, optimization of natural gas transportation processes is necessary. In this study, optimization procedure of natural gas transportation network was developed using a workable procedure adapting the Generalized Reduced Gradient algorithm. It determines the optimum economical conditions natural gas can be transported through series of pipeline and compressors station. The model developed when applied to the Excravos Lagos pipeline network showed that total cost of flowing natural gas depends on the amount of gas to be transported and also on the outlet pressure required. Results show that depending on the require flow rate, some installed compressors need to be inactive for effective cost reduction. The required diameters to meet the corresponding demand (Flow rates) are presented for the future upgrade of the facilities. Also comparison of different gas flow equations showed that the optimum network configuration for panhandle A and B are almost the same, but for Weymouth equation, it widely varies. The developed model can be extended to treat much larger and more complex network.
Description
Staff publications
Keywords
Gathering pipelines , Compressors station , Reduced gradient method , Investment cost , Gas flow equations , Research Subject Categories::TECHNOLOGY::Chemical engineering
Citation
Adeyanju, O.A. and Oyekunle L.O. (2013). Optimization of Natural Gas Transport in Pipeline. International Journal of Research and Advancement in Engineering Science, Vol. 3(1), 37-52pp.