The use of hydrogen as a non-emission energy carrier is important for the innovative development of the power-generation industry. Transmission pipelines are the most efficient and economic method of transporting large quantities of hydrogen in a number of variants. A comprehensive hydraulic analysis of hydrogen transmission at a mass flow rate of 0.3 to 3.0 kg/s (volume flow rates from 12,000 Nm3/h to 120,000 Nm3/h) was performed. The methodology was based on flow simulation in a pipeline for assumed boundary conditions as well as modeling of fluid thermodynamic parameters for pure hydrogen and its mixtures with methane. The assumed outlet pressure was 24 bar (g). The pipeline diameter and required inlet pressure were calculated for these parameters. The change in temperature was analyzed as a function of the pipeline length for a given real heat transfer model; the assumed temperatures were 5 and 25 C. The impact of hydrogen on natural gas transmission is another important issue. The performed analysis revealed that the maximum participation of hydrogen in natural gas should not exceed 15%–20%, or it has a negative impact on natural gas quality. In the case of a mixture of 85% methane and 15% hydrogen, the required outlet pressure is 10% lower than for pure methane. The obtained results present various possibilities of pipeline transmission of hydrogen at large distances. Moreover, the changes in basic thermodynamic parameters have been presented as a function of pipeline length for the adopted assumptions.
The one of main quality requirements of natural gas as an engine fuel is the methane number (MN). This parameter indicates the fuel’s capability to avoid knocking in the engine. A higher MN value indicates a better natural gas quality for gas engines. Natural gas with higher methane content tends to have higher MN value. This study presents analysis of deviation of liquefied natural gas (LNG) composition and its impact on LNG quality as an engine fuel. The analysis of higher hydrocarbons and nitrogen content impact on LNG parameters was considered for several samples of LNG compositions. Most engine manufacturers want to set a new, lower limit value for methane number at 80. This fact causes significant restrictions on the range of variability in the composition of liquefied natural gas. The goal of this study was to determine the combination of the limit content of individual components in liquefied natural gas to achieve the strict methane number criterion (MN > 80). To fulfill this criterion, the methane content in LNG would have to exceed 93.7%mol, and a significant part of the LNG available on the market does not meet these requirements. The analysis also indicated that the methane number cannot be the only qualitative criterion, as its variability depends strongly on the LNG composition. To determine the applicability of LNG as an engine fuel, the simultaneous application of the methane number and Wobbe index criteria was proposed.
1 May 2019 in Journal of Natural Gas Science and Engineering
Observation of the greenhouse effect prompts the consideration of every possibility of reducing anthropogenic carbon dioxide emissions. One of the key methods that has been the subject of much research is Carbon Dioxide Capture and Storage. The purpose of this study was to investigate the main technologies of CO2 capture, separation, and dehydration as well as methods of its transport and methodology of selecting a suitable geological storage site. An installation of dehydration and compression of carbon dioxide captured after the post-combustion was designed at a temperature of 35 °C, a pressure of 1.51 bar, and a mass flow rate of 2.449 million tons/year, assuming that the geological storage site is located at 30 km from the capture place. For the dehydration process, a multistage compression and cooling system were applied, combined with a triethylene glycol (TEG) dehydration unit. The mass flow rate of TEG was selected as 0.5 kg/s. H2O out of the TEG unit was 26.6 ppm. The amount of energy required to compress the gas was minimized by adopting a maximum post-compression gas temperature of 95 °C for each cycle, thereby reducing plant operating costs. The total power demand was 7047 kW, 15,990 kW, and 24,471 kW, and the total received heat input was 13,880.76 kW, 31,620.07 kW, and 47,035.66 kW for 25%, 60%, and 100% plant load, respectively. The use of more compressors reduces the gas temperature downstream through successive compression stages. It also decreases the total amount of energy required to power the entire plant and the amount of heat that must be collected during the gas stream cooling process. The integration of CO2 compression and cooling system to recover heat and increase the efficiency of power units should be considered.
In the field of CO2 capture and sequestration, ensuring the safety of pipeline infrastructure is paramount to successful climate change mitigation efforts. This study investigates the dynamics of CO2 dispersion from pipeline systems, assessing not only the transport process but also the physical properties and associated hazards. Advanced simulation techniques are used to model how different states of CO2 (gas, liquid, and supercritical) and varying pipeline characteristics—such as perforation sizes, flow rates, and orientations—affect the dispersion patterns in the event of a leak. Simulations cover a range of atmospheric conditions, emphasizing the role of atmospheric stability and wind speed in shaping dispersion and defining potential impact zones. An analysis of historical pipeline accidents is included to inform risk management strategies. The results show that the orientation of the pipeline has a significant effect on dispersion, with downward leaks causing the largest impact zones, particularly under supercritical conditions. The results highlight the need for adaptive safety strategies that take into account real-time CO2 transport conditions and localized environmental data. By integrating these factors, the study recommends refining safety protocols and emergency response strategies to improve pipeline resilience and public safety against potential leaks. Key findings include the quantification of the relationship between leak parameters and dispersion areas, providing a valuable framework for future safety improvements.
During the natural gas pipeline transportation process, gas stream pressure is reduced at natural gas regulation stations (GRS). Natural gas pressure reduction is accompanied by energy dissipation which results in irreversible exergy losses in the gas stream. Energy loss depends on the thermodynamic parameters of the natural gas stream on inlet and outlet gas pressure regulation and metering stations. Recovered energy can be used for electricity generation when the pressure regulator is replaced with an expander to drive electric energy generation. To ensure the correct operation of the system, the natural gas stream should be heated, on inlet to expander. This temperature should be higher than the gas stream during choking in the pressure regulator. The purpose of this research was to investigate GRS operational parameters which influence the efficiency of the gas expansion process and to determine selection criteria for a cost-effective application of turboexpanders at selected GRS, instead of pressure regulators. The main novelty presented in this paper shows investigation on discounted payback period (DPP) equation which depends on the annual average natural gas flow rate through the analyzed GRS, average annual level of gas expansion, average annual natural gas purchase price, average annual produced electrical energy sale price and CAPEX.