Diagnostics of the technological condition of gas pipelines based on the composition of the transported gas mixtures

The efficiency of natural gas transportation hinges largely on the quality of technological processes involved. Imperfect separation process can lead to the liquid particles remaining in the gas and entering the transport systems, causing various technological issues with gas pipelines (clogging, hydrate formation, corrosion wear, etc.). The presence of mechanical particles in gas mixtures accelerates the degradation of metallic components of the transport system due to erosion. Additionally, the multiphase nature of gases contributes to complications during transportation, altering the quality indicators when different gas qualities are mixed. Consequently, the composition of gas mixtures, their mechanical particles, moisture, and other indicators, deviate non-linearly from their initial values. The technological condition of the main gas pipelines significantly impacts their discharge capacity and hydraulic characteristics. Failure to clean natural gas to current standards and requirements at production stations can result in condensation of water and hydrocarbon vapours in pipelines, leading to the accumulation of the liquid phase in the cavities of the pipeline and the formation of blockages due to hydrate compounds formation, the reduction of the cross-section of the gas pipeline or its complete blockage. Sediment accumulation on the inner surfaces of gas pipelines installed in complex geographical conditions adversely affects transportation system, increasing maintenance, energy, and transportation costs. Utilizing gas composition as an auxiliary tool (indicator) for diagnosing various technological processes and predicting transport parameters has been investigated in numerous research works in the oil and gas production industry.