Simulation of transient flow in pipelines for computer-based operations monitoring

Computer models can provide the basis for real-time monitoring and control of fluid flow in pipelines. Problems of fluid flow in pipelines are mathematically represented by a non-linear system of coupled partial differential equations. In this paper, several numerical techniques are evaluated with respect to their suitability for the purpose of real-time monitoring of fluid flow in pipelines. The proposed techniques are evaluated in terms of the L₁, the L₂, and the L∞ error norms. Moreover, the developed simulators will be compared in terms of their speed of response and settling time which are essential factors for an effective real-time monitoring scheme. Finally, the selected simulation scheme is further tested under assumed pipeline leak conditions.