TRANSPORTE DE GAS NATURAL

Introduction
Unlike other products that are packaged and transported by vehicles, commercial
natural gas is continuously transported through pipelines. The transmission of
natural gas to the consumer may be divided into three distinct pipeline units: the
gathering system, the main trunk line, and the distribution lines. This chapter
focuses on design and operation of natural gas pipelines in onshore and offshore
fields.
11.2 Pipeline Design
Many factors must be considered in the design of long-distance gas pipelines.
These include the nature and volume of the gas to be transmitted, the length of the
line, the type of terrain to be crossed, and maximum elevation of the route. After a
gas compression station is located and sized, the gathering system is designed. This
involves the location of the wells, the ability of right of way, the amount of gas to be
handled, the distance to be transported, and the pressure difference between the
field and the main transmission line. The gas wells are generally located in groups
around a geological structure or within the defined limits of a pool or gas reservoir.
In a new field, the gather system must be large enough to handle the production of
additional leases. The gathering system is made up of branches that lead into trunk
lines. The trunk line is small at the most distant well and, as more wells along the
line are attached to it, the line must be larger to accommodate the greater volume
of gas. In addition to the gathering system and major trunk pipelines.