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179
American Scientific Research Journal for Engineering, Technology, and Sciences (ASRJETS)
ISSN (Print) 2313-4410, ISSN (Online) 2313-4402
© Global Society of Scientific Research and Researchers
http://asrjetsjournal.org/
A Detailed Approach to Mechanical Design of Gas
Pipeline Network System
Shadrack Uzoma Mathew
a
, Tobinson A. Briggs
b*
a,b
Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria
a
Email: matshadrack@yahoo.com
b
Email: tobinson.briggs@unipor .edu.ng
Abstract
The developed optimization models for flow throughput and pressure drop along with gas pipeline network in
the thesis titled, “Flow Optimization in Natural Gas Pipeline” confirmed lack in an economy in the operation of
the inline compressors. The developed optimization models employed Panhandle-A equation as base the base
equation. The work is a case study of pipelines of some oil producing companies in Nigeria. Further observed,
there were increased flow throughput and a reduction in the overall line pressure drop. The nominal line
diameter was 36” (0.9144m). The lack in the economy due to the cost of the compressors and the power
consumed at the optimal level of performance triggered this work. The research work confirmed that saving in
cost and operation of the inline compressors could only be achievable if the operating upstream/downstream
pressure is more than the range 81—63bar at nominal pipe diameter of 36” (0.9144m). At nominal pipe
diameters of 43” (1.0922m) and 50” (1.27m) economy in the operation of gas pipeline assets and facilities was
attainable at upstream/downstream pressures over 81—63bar. The nominal pipe thickness is limited to 0.05m to
0.10m. The new design concepts give flexibility in design, material selection, and installation of gas pipeline
network system.
Keywords: Developed Optimization Models; Increased Flow Throughput; Lack in Economy; Pipeline Network
System.
1. Introduction
A lot of gas equations, correlations and optimization models had been developed for operations, design, and
installation of gas pipeline network system.
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* Corresponding author.