Abstract:
The natural gas transmission pipeline network in the Western Zone of Bangladesh currently
comprises of 246 kilometer of pipeline. About 110-120 MMscfd of natural gas, which is 5% of
the total production (2350 MMscfd), is supplied through this network. The Government has
planned to supply gas to more areas in the north and south western regions of the country. About
177 kilometer of pipeline is already constructed for this purpose, which will be connected to the
existing network in near future. Thus natural gas will be available to Kushtia, Jhenidah, Jessore
and Khulna districts. Compressor stations are also being erected at Elenga, Tangail and
Ashuganj, Brahmanbaria to boost up the pressure and throughput of gas through this network.
Detail study is needed on the west zone gas transmission network regarding pressure drop along
the pipeline and availability of gas at various off-takes. Prediction of pressure drop along the
pipeline in a network is very important as it indicates the pipeline efficiency, volumes available
at various off-takes/outlets, maximum possible distance of transmission for a given upstream
pressure, effect of compressors, etc. This kind of study requires numerical simulation with
powerful computational resources.
This study presents some results from the simulation study of the west zone gas transmission
network. A virtual model is constructed, which includes both the existing and new extensions to
the network. The model is first validated by matching with the existing network using known
data. Then simulation runs are performed to investigate the issues mentioned above. In addition,
sensitivity studies are performed to investigate the effects of supply-demand fluctuations.
Commercial software package PIPESIMTM is used for this work. The starting node of the
network is at Elenga, Tangail. The existing pressure at this point is 400 psig. The fare most
downstream point of the network is Khulna.
The study will improve operational standard consistent with the world gas industry which will
be helpful for smooth operation of the network. The study will also be helpful for proper
planning and design for augmentation of national gas grid for the uninterrupted transportation of
natural gas in safe, reliable and economical way to the demand centers for ultimate distribution
of the same.
