Optimization model for transmission and distribution a natural gas: A case study of the gas pipeline network system

Authors

  • Mohsin Aslam Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Engineering & Technology, Lahore, Pakistan
  • Umair Aslam Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Engineering & Technology, Lahore, Pakistan
  • Hafiz Muhammad Zaheer Aslam Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Engineering & Technology, Lahore, Pakistan
  • Muhammad Ashraf Institute of Chemical Sciences, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan
  • Asim Shahzad Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited, Lahore, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54693/piche.05414

Abstract

With increasing demand of natural gas, Pakistan is trying to import it from neighbor countries. In this respect, new pipeline networks will be constructed to import gas from Russia or Iran.  The construction of pipeline network is a capital intensive process. Therefore, it is important to minimize the total life investment cost for an optimum design of pipeline network. The total life cost of a pipeline network depends on various factors such as pipeline diameter, thickness, compressor powers or operating conditions. In this study, a comprehensive optimization model has been developed to evaluate the optimum total life cost of natural gas pipeline network. The pipeline network contains both transmission and distribution pipelines. The transmission pipeline diameter, thickness and number of compressors are selected as the decision variables. The technical constraints are also considered in the optimization model to ensure safety, economics, and stability of pipeline network. These constraints are studied for different input variables. The optimization problem is mixed integer nonlinear programming type because it contains both discrete and continuous variables along with nonlinear equations. Therefore, rank optimization technique is used in this study. The developed optimization model is implemented on the case study using MATLAB software. The optimum total life cost of the case study has been investigated for different parameters.

Published

2026-06-18

How to Cite

Aslam, M., Aslam, U., Aslam, H. M. Z., Ashraf, M., & Shahzad, A. (2026). Optimization model for transmission and distribution a natural gas: A case study of the gas pipeline network system. Journal of the Pakistan Institute of Chemical Engineers, 54(1). https://doi.org/10.54693/piche.05414

Issue

Vol. 54 No. 1 (2026): Journal of the Pakistan Institute of Chemical Engineers

Section

Articles

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