Pipeline Hydraulics and Flow Characteristics

Overview

Every pipeline is designed for a range of flow rates and pressures, but in operation it faces changing fluids, temperatures, demand and pump or compressor availability. Understanding pipeline hydraulics lets engineers predict how the line will behave, find its true capacity, avoid damaging surges and decide where extra pumping or looping will give the best return. This course covers the hydraulics of liquid and gas pipelines in practical terms. Participants learn fluid properties, the energy equation, friction losses and flow regimes, then apply them to hydraulic gradients, pump and compressor station sizing and line capacity calculations. The course explains drag reducing agents, batching and interface mixing for multi-product lines, slack line flow, and the causes and control of pressure surge and water hammer. For gas pipelines, it covers the main flow equations, line pack and transient behaviour, and how simulation tools are used in planning and operations.

Objectives

• Apply fluid properties and the energy equation to pipeline flow
• Calculate friction losses and hydraulic gradients
• Size pump and compressor stations for a given throughput
• Estimate pipeline capacity and the effect of looping and DRA
• Manage batching, interfaces and slack line flow
• Explain and control pressure surge and water hammer
• Use gas flow equations and understand line pack

Who should attend

Training methodology

The course is calculation based. Participants work through problems by hand and with spreadsheets, building hydraulic gradient profiles for a crude oil line with elevation changes, sizing pump stations and testing the effect of DRA and looping. Surge scenarios are explored with a simple transient model. For gas lines, participants calculate flow capacity and line pack for different operating pressures. Real control room data are used to compare predicted and actual behaviour, and the course ends with a team capacity study.

Programme outline

Dates and fees

Certificate

Frequently asked questions