Developments in multiple-valve pipeline column separation control

This paper investigates novel multiple-valve pipeline column separation control. Experimental investigations have been performed in a laboratory pipeline apparatus. The apparatus consists of an upstream end high-pressure tank, a horizontal steel pipeline (total length 55.37 m, inner diameter 18 mm), four valve units positioned along the pipeline including the end points, and a downstream end tank. The transient event is induced by downstream-end or/and upstream-end valve closures (single- or multiple-valve action). A multiple-valve induced closure event may significantly attenuate the severity of pressure oscillations in the pipeline system. Discrete gas cavity model (DGCM) predictions and measured results for two typical cases including single- and multiple-valve closures are compared and discussed.