Development of technology for cascade gas pressure reduction in long gas pipelines of gas distribution stations

Abstract

The work developed and proposed for implementation an energy-saving technology of pipeline transportation of natural gas along long-distance branch pipelines connecting main gas pipelines and gas distribution stations. This technology consists in a step reduction of operating pressure in the gas pipeline branch with the help of linear reducing stations, with partial heating of gas due to heat exchange between the gas pipeline and the ground. The authors of the article present the results of practical approbation of the cascade gas pressure reduction technology in the operating off-take gas pipeline with the confirmed effect of reducing fuel gas consumption in the gas distribution station preheaters. The optimal parameters of gradual gas pressure reduction using linear reduction points were determined by calculation. Graphical dependencies, which determine the peculiarities of changes in temperature modes of pipeline gas transportation depending on the given pressure drop in linear pressure reduction stations for the conditions of pilot testing of the energy-saving method, have been obtained. A scheme of uniform location of linear pressure reduction stations with definition of the optimal pressure reduction mode is proposed.