Energy-efficient gas pipeline transportation

Gas transportation via long pipelines is considered. Distributed parameter, dynamic modelling with series and shunt energy dissipation and gas stream, equivalent capacitance and inductance effects are proposed. Hybrid analysis techniques, wherein both the distributed and the lumped, concentrated elements of the pipeline system are included in the overall model, are advocated. Constrained optimisation procedures, with the introduction of the Hamiltonian function to minimise the pipeline, inflow–outflow difference, are invoked thereby promoting impedance matching and the energy-efficient transportation of the specified, gas volume flow rate. Illustrative application studies are outlined thereby validating the analytical methods employed and the determination of the optimum, pipeline exit resistance.