Recent trends in gas pipeline optimization Adarsh Kumar Arya ⇑ , Rishi Jain, Shreyash Yadav, Sachin Bisht, Shashank Gautam Department of Chemical Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Petroleum & Energy Studies, Energy Acres Building, Bidholi, Dehradun 248007, India article info Article history: Available online 27 November 2021 Keywords: Oil and gas Pipeline networks Optimization methods Deterministic methods Stochastic algorithms abstract The pipeline network plays a crucial role in oil and gas transportation because of its safe operation and cheap cost. However, the construction and operation of pipeline networks entail a significant outlay of funds. The oil and gas industry has embraced optimization due to its ability to reduce pipeline costs. Various optimization tasks exist in the pipeline sector at all stages, from design to operation. Previously, most researches have focused on creating successful algorithmic variations to improve certain elements of search capabilities. However, there have been few review articles published, which are essen- tial for engineering solution suppliers. We attempt to address this gap in the article by suggesting a methodology exploited to optimize pipeline operations. A critical review of three recent applications of optimization to the pipeline industry is discussed. The issues, challenges, and possible research paths are also examined. The purpose of the article is to provide pipeline engineers with a road map for under- standing and implementing optimization techniques for increased pipeline profitability. Copyright Ó 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. Selection and peer-review under responsibility of the scientific committee of the International Chemical Engineering Conference 2021 (100 Glorious Years of Chemical Engineering & Technology) 1. Introduction The world’s total energy usage has doubled in the last two dec- ades [1]. The energy supply markets confront major technical and economic challenges to keep up with the rapidly increasing demand. Concerns about the impact of greenhouse gases on the environment complicate things even more. In this scenario, natural gas has emerged as a significant energy supply option in the global energy grid [10]. Natural gas, a clean fuel, is becoming more significant in energy consumption due to raising public awareness about pollution from fossil fuels and the pressing need to modernize the global energy infrastructure. Natural gas is an excellent choice as a carbon–neu- tral, environmentally friendly, and dependable fuel [17]. Natural gas’s advantages as an energy source have resulted in record levels of usage. In 2018, worldwide demand for gas increased by 195 bil- lion cubic meters, the highest pace of growth since 1984, at a rate of 5.3 percent. Global natural gas consumption is projected to rise by 2.9 to 3.2 percent each year until 2030 [14]. As household and industrial demand for natural gas grow, the optimum regulation of natural gas transportation from producers to consumers is a crit- ical issue for the recent economic growth of the majority of nations [19]. Fig. 1 shows the natural gas statistics for few major natural gas-consuming countries. Natural gas sources are often located distant from consumption locations, and transportation is accom- plished via the pipeline network, which expands across bigger and wider regions, increasing natural gas consumption. In the nat- ural gas sector, pipeline transportation is popular due to its cheap cost and high level of safety. The pipeline delivers an estimated 93 percent of the world’s gas [7]. Transport costs are increasing; therefore, it’s critical to maxi- mize the efficiency of gas transportation [21]. The United States possessed the world’s longest trunk gas transmission pipes at the end of 2012, totalling more than 330 000 km [25,28]. The rationale and economics of pipeline networks have a significant effect on global oil companies’ profitability. Pipeline safety and efficiency are essential now than they have ever been. The natural gas pipeline network may easily run outside the optimum condition because of variable gas demand and restricted pressure. Because of this, natural gas pipeline infrastructure study to find the best operating plan is vital. The paper focuses on the best procedures that can be obtained using optimization methods. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matpr.2021.11.232 2214-7853/Copyright Ó 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. Selection and peer-review under responsibility of the scientific committee of the International Chemical Engineering Conference 2021 (100 Glorious Years of Chemical Engineering & Technology) Abbrevations: Deterministic methods, DM; Stochastic Algorithms, SA. ⇑ Corresponding author. E-mail addresses: akarya@ddn.upes.ac.in (A.K. Arya), Jainrishi873@gmail.com (R. Jain), shreyashyadav0@gmail.com (S. Yadav), sachinbisht06mar@gmail.com (S. Bisht), gautamshashank123@gmail.com (S. Gautam). Materials Today: Proceedings 57 (2022) 1455–1461 Contents lists available at ScienceDirect Materials Today: Proceedings journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/matpr