Overview
This
online course on gas pipeline hydraulics covers the steady state analysis
of compressible fluid flow through pipelines. Mathematical derivations
are reduced to a minimum, since the intent is to provide the practicing
engineer a practical tool to understand and apply the concepts of gas
flow in pipes. In particular, we will cover natural gas pipeline
transportation including how pipelines are sized for a particular flow
rate, the pressure required to transport a given volume of gas and the
compression horsepower required.
The properties of natural gas that affect pipe flow will be reviewed first followed by the concepts of laminar and turbulent flow and Reynolds number. Frictional pressure loss and the method of calculating the friction factor using the Moody diagram and the Colebrook and AGA methods will be illustrated with examples. Several other popular flow equations, such as the Weymouth and Panhandle formulas will be introduced and explained with example problems. Increasing pipeline throughput using intermediate compressor stations as well as pipe loops will be discussed. The strength requirement of pipes, allowable operating pressure and hydrostatic test pressure will be reviewed with reference to the DOT code requirements. Several fully solved example problems are used to illustrate the concepts introduced in the various sections of the course.
The student must take a multiple-choice quiz consisting of twenty-five (25) questions at the end of the course to obtain PDH credits.
Specific Knowledge or Skill Obtained
This course teaches the following specific knowledge and skills:
- Gas properties overview, including viscosity, pressure, compressibility factor and gas laws
- How to calculate the properties of a natural gas mixture
- How to calculate the compressibility factor of a gas using the Standing-Katz chart
- Friction factor and transmission factors used in gas pipeline pressure drop equations
- Calculating pressure drop due to friction in a gas pipeline using the General Flow Equation
- Gas pipeline velocity and erosional velocity calculations
- Use of other gas pipeline pressure drop equations, including Panhandle A, Panhandle B, Weymouth and the IGT equation
- Compressor station fundamental calculations, including compression ratio, efficiency and horsepower
- Calculation of allowable pipe pressure using design factors based on the location of the pipeline and its proximity to populated areas
- The use of compressor stations and pipeline looping to increase gas throughput
Course
Click on the following link to the PDF document to review the course material before taking the quiz for credit.
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To receive PDH credit for this course, you must pass a multiple-choice quiz. Click the button below to Purchase Course and Take Quiz. To take the quiz, your computer must be set to accept cookies. See how to check your cookie settings.







