APPLYING DUDUCTIONS FROM NAVIER STOKES EQUATION TO FLOW SITUATIONS IN GAS PIPELINE NETWORK SYSTEM

Abstract

Navier Stokes equations are theoretical equations for pressure-flow-temperature problems in gas pipelines. Other well-known gas equations such as Weymouth, Panhandle A and Modified Panhandle B equations are employed in gas pipeline design and operational procedures at a level of practical relevance. Attaining optimality in the performance of this system entails concrete understanding of the theoretical and prevailing practical flow conditions. In this regard, Navier Stoke's mass, momentum and energy equations had been worked upon subject to certain simplifying assumptions to deduced expressions for flow velocity and throughput in gas pipeline network system. This work could also bridge the link among theoretical, operational and optimal level of performance in gas pipelines.

Purpose: The purpose of this research is to build a measure of practical relevance in gas pipeline operational procedures that would ultimately couple the missing links between theoretical flow equations such as Navier Stokes equation and practical gas pipeline flow equations. Such practical gas pipeline flow models are Weymouth, Panhandle A and Modified Panhandle B equations among others.

Methodology: The approach in this regard entails reducing Narvier Stoke's mas, momentum and energy equations to their appropriate forms by applicable practical conditions. By so doing flow models are deduced that could be worked upon by computational approach analytically or numerically to determine line throughput and flow velocity.The reduced forms of the Navier Stokes velocity and throughput equations would be applied to operating gas pipelines in Nigeria terrain. The gas pipelines are ElfTotal Nig. Ltd and Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC). This would enable the comparison of these gas pipelines operational data with theoretical results of Navier Stokes equations reduced to their appropriate forms.

Findings: The follow up paper would employ theoretical and numerical discretization computational methods to compare theoretical and numerical discretization results to give a clue if these operating gas pipelines are operated at optimal level of performance.

Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The reduced forms of Nervier Stokes equations applied to physical operating gas pipelines network system is considered by the researcher to be an endeavor of academic excellence that would foster clear cut understanding of theoretical and practical flow situations. It could also open up a measure of understanding to pushing a flow to attaining optical conditions in practical real life flow situations. Operating gas pipelines optimally would reduce the spread of these capital intensive assets and facilities and more so conserving our limited reserves for foreign exchange.