Modeling and Simulation of Blowdown in High-Pressure Gas Pipelines: A Comparative Approach in Real Scenarios

Resumen

This study addresses the estimation of times and profiles for depressurization in high-pressure gas pipelines, a crucial aspect for the safety and efficiency in managing energy infrastructures. Given the operational range of pipelines in Peru, with diameters from 18” to 34” and pressures from 50 to 145 Barg, and the risks associated with venting, whether planned or not, precision in predicting the times and profiles of depressurization becomes imperative. This work evaluates five dynamic models for this purpose, contrasting their results with empirical data associated with a real venting event, in order to determine the most precise and applicable methodology. The models range from simplified approaches, such as those from AGA and Weiss et al. (1988), to more complex and sophisticated ones, like modeling using Pipeline Studio software. The results show that, although Pipeline Studio offers the greatest precision, the simplified models present an acceptable margin of error, suggesting their utility in contexts where access to advanced tools is limited. This analysis not only validates the applicability of these models under real conditions but also establishes a basis for future research aimed at improving the precision and reliability of depressurization estimates in pipelines.