Basic Theory

Gathering pipeline system is a series of pipelines that flow from the well production facilities
in a producing field to a gathering “trunk” pipeline. Gathering systems typically fall into one
of four categories:

1. Single-trunk systems with “lateral” lines from each well production facility.

2. Loop systems, in which the main line is in the shape of a loop around the field.

3. The multiple-trunk system, in which there are several main lines extending from a
central point.

4. Combinations of categories 1 through 3.

Gathering systems typically require small-diameter pipe that runs over relatively short
distances. The branch lateral lines commonly are 2 to 8 in. Gathering systems should be
designed to minimize pressure drop without having to use large diameter pipe or require
mechanical pressure-elevation equipment to move the fluid volume. For natural-gas gathering
lines, the Weymouth equation can be used to size the pipe.

In this project, the equation that used to calculate the optimum diameter size of pipeline is
Weymouth equation. The Weymouth equation was developed from the fundamental energy
equation for compressible flow. The equation was developed for turbulent flow in long
pipelines. So, for low flows, low pressures, or short pipes, it may not be applicable.

Figure 1 Weymouth Equation for Calcualte Optimum Pipe Diameter Size

Where,
Qg = gas-flow rate, MMscf/D,
Dopt = optimum pipe inside diameter, in.,
T = average temperature of gas at inlet, °R,
SG = specific gravity of gas,
Z = average compressibility factor for gas, dimensionless.
P1 = average Pressure, psia,
Reference :

Pipelines – Petrowiki. Accesed from https://petrowiki.org/Pipelines on April 1st 2019.