Analytical Model for the Estimation of Leak Location in Natural Gas Pipeline

Abstract

Mathematical model for leak location in natural gas pipeline has been developed in this paper. The model employs an isothermal steady state approach. Leak occurrence in the pipeline divides the pipeline into two sections-the upstream and downstream sections respectively. Analyses of leak incidences were carried out in the two pipeline sections giving rise to two equations being developed to address the leak localization. The first leak equation was developed by considering the upstream section of the pipeline while the second leak equation was developed by considering the downstream section of the pipeline. The two equations were analytically developed by slight modification of the Weymouth's equation for gas flow in horizontal pipeline. Matlab software was used in the model simulation. Seven field data were used in the model simulation. The results from the Matlab simulation of the mathematical models developed gave the leak locations for each of the field cases. Comparison of the simulated results with actual results of leak locations determined experimentally revealed high level of accuracy with an average error of only 0.377% which is below the minimum acceptable limit. Furthermore analyses of results show that the two leak equations yield same results when used in the Matlab simulator. The model is highly suitable for accurate detection of leak in natural gas pipeline especially where economics and reliability is of essence.

О Возможности Использования Упрощенных Моделей Для Определения Места Утечки В Газопроводе

“…Расчетам места утечки в газопроводах и скважинах на основе математической модели течения газа посвящены многочисленные публикации, начиная с основополагающей работы Васильева, Бондарева, Воеводина и Каниболотского [1], вплоть до настоящего времени, например, работы [2][3][4][5]. Успех решения этой задачи невозможен без создания адекватной математической модели течения газа в исследуемых условиях.…”

Estimation of possibilities of calculations based on simplified models of the leak location in gas pipelines

“…Numerous publications have been devoted to calculations of the leak location in gas pipelines and wells based on a mathematical model of gas flow, starting with the fundamental work of Vasiliev, Bondarev, Voevodin and Kanibolotsky [1], up to the present, for example, papers [2][3][4][5]. Success in solving this problem is impossible without creating an adequate mathematical model of gas flow under the conditions under study.…”