1. Analytical Model for the Estimation of Leak Location in Natural Gas Pipeline
- Author
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Onyejekwe Ifeanyi Michael, Ohia Nnaemeka Princewill, Igbojionu Anthony Chemazu, Ekwueme Stanley Toochukwu, Igwilo Kevin Chinwuba, and Obibuike Ubanozie Julian
- Subjects
Leak ,Steady state ,Mathematical model ,business.industry ,Pipeline (computing) ,Flow (psychology) ,Mechanics ,Natural gas ,Upstream (networking) ,business ,MATLAB ,computer ,Geology ,computer.programming_language - Abstract
Mathematical model for leak location in natural gas pipeline has been developed in this paper. The model employs an isothermal steady state approach. Leak occurrence in the pipeline divides the pipeline into two sections-the upstream and downstream sections respectively. Analyses of leak incidences were carried out in the two pipeline sections giving rise to two equations being developed to address the leak localization. The first leak equation was developed by considering the upstream section of the pipeline while the second leak equation was developed by considering the downstream section of the pipeline. The two equations were analytically developed by slight modification of the Weymouth’s equation for gas flow in horizontal pipeline. Matlab software was used in the model simulation. Seven field data were used in the model simulation. The results from the Matlab simulation of the mathematical models developed gave the leak locations for each of the field cases. Comparison of the simulated results with actual results of leak locations determined experimentally revealed high level of accuracy with an average error of only 0.377% which is below the minimum acceptable limit. Furthermore analyses of results show that the two leak equations yield same results when used in the Matlab simulator. The model is highly suitable for accurate detection of leak in natural gas pipeline especially where economics and reliability is of essence.
- Published
- 2019