Empirical Validation of a Gas Distribution System Moisture Drydown Model

Abstract

Moisture is the most difficult impurity to remove from gas distribution systems due to its adsorption and desorption behavior. Several theoretical models have been proposed in an effort to understand moisture behavior and to predict the drydown time of gas distribution systems. We recently developed a model that takes into account the fluid dynamics of the bulk gas stream and incorporates two drydown regimes: a physisorbed regime and a chemisorbed regime. This paper compares experimental drydown data with model simulations of gas distribution systems under various configurations and conditions. The verified model can be applied as an engineering tool for designing a practical system and predicting the effects of a moisture intrusion into the system.