PSIGanesi online simulation of pigging in Beijing-Shijiazhuang-Handan Gas Pipeline

The Beijing-Shijiazhuang-Handan Gas Pipeline is characterized by large transportation capacity, multiple gas sources, large fluctuations in gas consumption, and frequent changes in operating parameters such as internal pressure, flow, and flow direction in the pipeline, which cause the major problems in pig operation speed control during pigging operations. In order to accurately control the operating speed of the pig, an online simulation model of Beijing–Shijiazhuang–Handan Gas Pipeline was established with PSIGanesi software. With the pig tracking function of the model, the location of pig in the pipeline, the average speed of the pig, the residual pigging distance and the remained pigging time can be calculated in real time, so as to provide the latest operation status of the pipeline network for the temporary adjustment of scheme for pigging operation. Herein, pigging operation with a cup pig, a straight plate pig and a brush pig in the pipeline section between Shijiazhuang Station and Xingtai Station was simulated in real time with the pig tracking function of PSIGanesi online simulation model. On this basis, the actual pigging time on site and real-time tracking time of the simulation model was compared, thereby the causes resulting in the deviations were analyzed and a correction method was developed. The research results could provide reference for the pipeline management departments to accurately locate the pig and control its operating speed.