Examination of Condensation Liquid Formation in Istanbul Natural Gas Distribution Network

Abstract

In this study, the formation of natural gas liquid in gas distribution lines, particularly at regional stations, service boxes, customer installations, and gas meters, was investigated. The study aims to address the problems associated with natural gas liquid formation, such as interruption of supply and decreased efficiency of combustion devices. The indirect measurement of the hydrocarbon dew point was analyzed using C6+ chromatograph data, and the model based on directly measured C6+ data were converted into C6/C7/C8 data by four different methods. As distinct from studies in the literature, this study experimentally determines the distribution of heavy hydrocarbons from C9 to C19 based on indirect methods for acquiring C8+ data and direct measurement of C6+ data. The hydrocarbon dew point temperature was calculated using the Peng–Robinson (PR) and Soave–Redlich–Kwong (SRK) equations of state. The results of the analysis performed on two city gate stations showed that the critical temperatures were 4.21 °C at a pressure of 10.81 bar and 8.27 °C at a pressure of 11.25 bar, respectively. These values were obtained from a model designed to determine the dew point temperature in the area where natural gas liquid formation was most prevalent. The experimental analysis and indirect measurements indicated the occurrence of a two-phase gas–liquid formation.