An Effective and Resilient Approach for Gas Transmission and Distribution Via Network Simulation and Modelling for Sustainable Gas Supply
Authors: Kulkarni Sukrut Shridhar 
Published: October 2022

As a prudent operator, it is mandatory to have structured and justifiable plan along with robust gas transmission and distribution system in place to maximize value through sales of gas molecules from supply to customer, while balancing risk and rewards along the journey through sustainable gas supply. The current study approach is to establish the effective system by commencing the design, development and implementation of Network Simulation Model that can be leveraged to perform effective and resilient gas transmission and distribution to adhere to the commitment in terms of technical specifications and commercial obligations. A robust system to be in place that can be data driven to enable for sustaining gas supply to curb value loss to organization.

Simulation Network model was developed from each feeders/field based on its geographical locations, embedded with thermodynamic equations to predict phase envelope, and associated also with flow correlations to establish hydraulics first principle under single platform. Integrating all these components under single platform minimizes data inconsistency and enhances the outcome quality. Post completion of the system architecture in the simulation environment the primary step is to perform history matching. It was observed that lesser the tolerance with past trending numbers, accurate is the future predictions. History matching related to matching of hydraulic principles such as pressure and flow along with the gas specifications to be in line with past trending numbers. Validated and history matched model was further deployed to perform multiple studies such as situational (what-if scenarios), gap analysis, trouble shooting, identification of faulty/bad elements and debottlenecking. All these studies could ensure safe transmission and distribution of gas from reservoir to intended customers. Situational analysis (what-if scenarios) were performed to evaluate to root cause analysis and troubleshoot at various intensities of the network to cater for equilibrium balance. Gap analysis was executed to arrive at necessary alterations to operating philosophy, partial segregation of system to cater for product demand and quality.

Diagnostic analytics of end-to-end model could decipher risks for current operations and enabled also lining up of new gas feeders to cater for sustainable demand. System ullage, pressure balance, hydraulic fluxes, critical equipment performance were acknowledged, and model could envisage optimal results backed up with calculated data. Also, network model analysis created one stop point to manage queries from multiple stakeholders in terms of data management, system operability, field evacuation optimization, look-ahead scenarios, product quality assurance and appropriate mitigation by analyzing pain points. It not only qualified technical obligation but also empowered representative economic evaluation for the reforms by appending precise requirement in terms of sizing optimizing location of the compression, field clustering, contaminant managements.

Study describes how network modelling approach could access pain points across network and summarizes granularity of a system to facilitate conversation on potential monetization options for identified opportunities and curb value leakage that affects system performance. It elaborates on re-imagine approach that includes innovative and comprehensive integrated modelling can lead to value creation in managing complex network effectively for gas transmission and distribution by sustaining gas supply for assuring stakeholders endurance.