Development of Optimization Sensitivity Equation by Multiple Linear Regression and Correlation Analysis

Abstract

Gas pipeline pressure-flow problem are affected by varieties of factors notably frictional pressure drop and other pressure drops components. These problems inevitably result in the reduction of the operating efficiency of gas pipelines by virtue of reduction in the line throughput and increased pressure drop along the line. It has been established that increased pressure drop will ultimately lead to increased pump power as well as higher cost of design, construction and operations of gas pipelines. These prevailing factors prompts the need to ascertain the stability and reliability of the optimal flow results. The develop sensitivity model prediction was hinged around ∆L/L (%) being zero. It invariably confirmed that the results of optimal flow capacity are more sensitive to changes in upstream and downstream pressures. It was least sensitive to pressure gradients. The governing conditions being that changes in pipe diameter, ∆D/D (%) and flow capacity, ∆Q/Q (%) were in the order of 5%.