Pipeline simulation techniques

The paper deals with different pipeline models and their simulation. First, a nonlinear distributed parameters model is derived, which is then lineari sed and its transfer function is obtained by a Laplace transformation and c orresponding initial and boundary conditions. The pipeline is represented a s a two-port system. Four representations are presented and two of them - t he hybrid ones which are used in practice-are studied further. They involve three different transcendent transfer functions which are then approximate d by rational transfer functions using a Pade approximation. The derived mo dels describe the pipeline as a lumped parameter system. Due to the approxi mation of the high frequency gain, the derived models are only valid for a class of models - namely well damped pipelines. The derived models were com paratively verified on the basis of the measurements on a real pipeline. (C ) 2000 IMACS/Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.