Natural gas processing and pipelines
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Is there anyone here familiar with natural gas processing? First, I would like to know if there are any special requirements regarding the material and diameter of pipelines used for natural gas transportation. Also, what is the maximum flow velocity for natural gas? (It’s the flow rate limit he designed.) Since excessive flow rates can cause friction and spark generation, I hope someone familiar with natural gas processes and design can help me answer this question
The main types of pipes include rubber PE pipes, steel pipes, galvanized pipes, and anti-corrosion steel pipes. Steel pipes are used when high pressure is required; their minimum diameter is generally 160 MM or more. The best type of anti-corrosion pipe is the extra-strength triple PE anti-corrosion steel pipe. The purging flow rate for pipelines should be no less than 20 m/s, but that is the maximum value; generally, 6 m/s is suitable for low-pressure systems and 12 m/s for medium-pressure systems. Additionally, taking into account factors such as the high-pressure transportation of liquefied natural gas and the need to reduce static electricity, the flow rate is usually kept below 1.5 m/s
The main materials used for gas pipelines are stainless steel pipes or 20# seamless steel pipes; when the pressure is low, galvanized steel pipes or PE pipes can also be used. However, in industrial applications, gas is generally transported through steel pipes (for low-temperature applications such as LNG, seamless stainless steel pipes are used, while for CNG, 20# seamless steel pipes are employed). Welding is the usual method of connection, and threaded connections are not recommended, unless it is for domestic use of gas.