Topic outline

  • Natural Gas Pipeline Flow Calculations

    Credits: 3 PDH

    PDH Course Description:

    Several different equations have been proposed and are in use for natural gas pipeline flow calculations. This course provides information about four of them, the Weymouth Equation, the Panhandle A Equation, the Panhandle B Equation, and the Darcy Weisbach Equation, along with information about the fluid properties needed and their estimation or calculation.

    Topics:

    At the conclusion of this course, the student will:
    • Be familiar with the natural gas properties, density, specific gravity, molecular weight, compressibility factor, and viscosity, and their use in pipeline flow calculations.
    • Be able to calculate the compressibility factor for natural gas with specified average gas pressure and temperature and known specific gravity.
    • Be able to calculate the viscosity of natural gas with specified average gas pressure and temperature and known specific gravity.
    • Be able to obtain a value for the friction factor using the Moody diagram for given Re and /D.
    • Be able to calculate a value for the friction factor for specified Re and /D, using the appropriate equation for f.
    • Be familiar with the guidelines for when it is appropriate to use the Darcy Weisbach equation for natural gas pipeline flow calculations.
    • Be able to use the Darcy Weisbach equation and the Moody friction factor equations to calculate the frictional pressure drop for a given flow rate of a specified fluid through a pipe with known diameter, length and roughness.
    • Be able to use the Weymouth equation to calculate gas flow rate through a pipe with known diameter and length, elevation difference between pipeline inlet and outlet, specified inlet and outlet pressure and enough information to calculate gas properties.
    • Be able to use the Panhandle A equation to calculate gas flow rate through a pipe with known diameter and length, elevation difference between pipeline inlet and outlet, specified inlet and outlet pressure and enough information to calculate gas properties.
    • Be able to use the Panhandle B equation to calculate gas flow rate through a pipe with known diameter and length, elevation difference between pipeline inlet and outlet, specified inlet and outlet pressure and enough information to calculate gas properties.

    To take this course:

    1.) Enroll in Course: Click below to enroll:
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    2.) Study: Once enrolled, click below to begin the course:

    Download the Study Guide

    3.) Test: Once you've thoroughly read the course materials, please click below to take the final examination.

    Take the final exam

    4.) Certificate: A passing grade of 70% or higher on the exam, is required to receive the certificate of completion for this PDH course.


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    Intended Audience: for civil, mechanical, petroleum, construction, and hydraulic engineers.
    Publication Source: Harlan H. Bengtson, PhD, PE

    Harlan Bengtson PhD, PE

    • Topic 1