Modelling Pressure Regulators Using Operational Data

Pressure regulators are the most important components of gas distribution networks. Operational optimization and failure-mode analyses of these networks require simple and reliable models for pressure regulators. Using dynamic operational data, a novel approach to model a pressure regulator is presented. A pressure regulator is modelled as a virtual feedback control system, with a control valve and a proportional controller along with measurement lag. The control loop parameters, representative of the pressure regulator, are determined using a set of dynamic operational data. The estimated parameters can then be used to predict the performance of the pressure regulator under varying scenarios. The proposed modelling approach is applied on an example pressure regulator. The transient response of the gas regulator is predicted quite well. Overall, this study provides a simple method of predicting the performance of pressure regulators with reasonable accuracy.