The use of natural gas reduction schemes on the basis of the pressure regulator and monitor

Introduction. The relevance of the topic is explained by the growing use of natural gas both in terms of domestic consumption (due to the expansion of gas supply areas) and in terms of industrial consumption (introduction of more complex technological processes), which significantly tightens the requirements for failure-free and reliable gas supply systems. The issues of reliability and sustainability of operation of gas distribution systems directly affect the efficiency of natural gas transportation to end consumers. Key factors should also include the assurance and maintenance of operational parameters of gas distribution networks and gas-using equipment in the optimal technological condition. The purpose of the study is to assess the economic efficiency of proposed gas pressure reduction systems with account taken of the value of capital expenditures into their installation, purchase of equipment and devices, involved in the arrangement of gas pressure reduction lines. Materials and methods. The co-authors have used the system analysis and synthesis of complex structured gas pressure reduction complexes, methods of computational mathematics, synthesis of new engineering solutions. Results. Gas pressure reduction systems have advantages over standard patterns currently used by most gas distribution stations and pressure reduction units. However, systems, featuring one pressure reduction line, have a narrow range of application. Higher reliability and failure-free operation are demonstrated by the systems having a redundant pressure reduction line, consisting of the same set of equipment and designed for 100 % capacity of the principal reduction line. In addition, the installation of these reduction systems takes less time, if compared with a standard system, which is not unimportant in the context of mass production. Conclusions. The analysis of the established gas reduction systems used at gas distribution stations and pressure reduction units allows to choose the equipment operating in the range of medium and high pressure with one-step gas pressure reduction in order to develop an optimal reduction system. Given the results of the feasibility study of each system, the conclusion is made in terms of the expediency of their application from the standpoint of technological efficiency and cost effectiveness.