Gas & Fluid Network Hydraulics Overview

GW
GASWorkS v10
PM
Pipemill Suite

This specialized course offers practical, hands-on training in steady-state flow calculations, pressure drop analysis, and complex pipeline network modeling using industry-standard tools like GASWorkS and Pipemill software. Engineers will gain essential capabilities in sizing pipelines, predicting fluid dynamic behavior, and optimizing gas and liquid distribution systems for industrial, municipal, and energy transport networks.

VENTURI PIPE HYDRAULICS SIMULATOR
Inlet Pressure 120.0 PSI
Throat Velocity 14.2 m/s
Reynolds No. 4.2 × 10⁵ (Turbulent)

Steady-State Flow Modeling

Perform detailed flow capacity and velocity profile calculations for fluid transmission systems.

Pressure Drop Analysis

Evaluate frictional losses, elevation changes, and line sizing using standard equations.

GASWorkS Simulation

Build, calibrate, and analyze complex natural gas and utility distribution networks.

Pipemill Engineering Calculations

Automate mechanical and hydraulic design checks including pipe wall thickness and flow capacities.

Course Logistics & Key Info

Tools & Software Covered

Hands-on training leveraging GASWorkS for gas distribution network analysis and Pipemill for pipeline design, wall thickness calculations, and fluid flow sizing.

Target Prerequisites

Designed for Mechanical, Chemical, Petroleum, and Process Engineers, as well as pipeline simulation specialists seeking expertise in fluid hydraulics.

Capstone Project Highlight

City Gas Distribution Topology

High Pressure Medium Low
HP Main (19.0 bar) DRS MP Ring (4.0 bar) LP Service (100 mbar) City Gate Station
Interactive zone mapping for urban gas grid distribution modeling.

Video Demo: Network Optimization

15–30 sec Walkthrough
Scenario Peak Demand
Regulator DRS Active
Flow State Optimized

Key Learning Capabilities

Steady-State Flow Analysis

Master fundamental equations (Darcy–Weisbach, Hazen–Williams, Weymouth, Panhandle) to model continuous liquid and gas flow through complex networks.

Mass Conservation & Profile Q_in = Q_out
P1 (Inlet High) P2 (Outlet Low) Steady Flow (d/dt = 0) Darcy–Weisbach / Weymouth Model
Mass Balance: 100% Regime: Fully Turbulent

Pressure Drop & Head Loss

Calculate friction factors, minor fitting losses, dynamic velocity heads, and static pressure differentials along long-distance pipeline routes.

EGL / HGL Hydraulic Profile Loss Slope
Pipeline Centerline (Elevation Z) EGL (Total Energy Head) hf (Friction Loss) HGL (P/γ + Z) V²/2g
Friction Loss (hf): 14.8 m Slope (S): 0.0042

GASWorkS Network Modeling

Learn layout creation, customer load assignment, regulator station modeling, and scenario analysis for gas distribution networks in GASWorkS.

GASWorkS v10 - Network Topology SOLVED
N-101: 60.0 PSI N-102: 54.2 PSI N-103: 48.7 PSI N-104: 38.1 PSI (Min) N-105: 51.0 PSI N-106: 44.5 PSI
Total System Load: 18,500 MSCFD Max Velocity: 18.4 ft/s

Pipemill Utility Automation

Utilize Pipemill for rapid component sizing, thermal flexibility validation, hydrostatic test pressure verification, and pipe thickness evaluation.

Pipemill Automated Report ASME B31.8
Calculated Nom. Thickness (t): 0.375 in (9.52 mm)
Design Hoop Stress (% SMYS): 58.4% (PASS)
Hydrotest Min Pressure (1.5x): 2,160.0 PSI
Wall Thickness Validated API 5L X65 Grade

Compressor & Pump Station Sizing

Determine required booster horsepower, pump dynamic head requirements, valve selection, and pressure regulation boundaries across networks.

Centrifugal Performance Curve H-Q Profile
Flow Rate Q (GPM / MMSCFD) Head H (ft) / Ratio Pump/Comp Curve System Curve BEP (Duty Point)
Q_opt: 2,400 GPM Head: 185 ft (Eff: 82%)

Standard Compliance & Safety

Ensure network designs adhere to ASME B31.8 (Gas Transmission), ASME B31.4 (Liquid Transportation), and international fluid safety codes.

Code Safety Envelope ASME B31.8 / B31.4
MAOP Upper Limit (Safety Boundary) Safe Operating Envelope Class 1 (F=0.72) Class 2 (F=0.60) Class 3 (F=0.50) Design Factor Location Classes
Compliance Status: VERIFIED Factor (F): 0.72 Max