Gas Pipeline Simulation: Use of a Single System for All Simulations

Simulation tools have been used for a long time in the gas pipeline industry to do things like system planning and training simulation, using both steady state and transient simulators. Companies have also tried using simulation models in real time environments, to do applications such as line pack management and leak detection, with less than great results. With the increased cost of energy, more importance has been placed on use of simulation to optimize the operation of gas pipelines. One of the biggest problems with using simulation in so many areas is that many different models from potentially different suppliers had to be used. This resulted in a high cost to implement and maintain several systems. This paper will show a simulation system that is capable of performing steady state and transient simulation, off-line and real time simulation, leak detection and optimization, all using a single modeling platform. Examples of field use of the system will show the benefits that can be realized.