Pipephase 9.6 simulation-based assessment of an LPG transport network’s resilience in the event of an unexpected pumping station shutdown

Energy is a fundamental pillar of economic development and industrial activity. In Algeria, the National Oil and Gas Company (SONATRACH) plays a strategic role as the main producer and exporter of crude oil, natural gas, condensates, and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). In response to the increasing national and international energy demand, the establishment of an efficient and resilient logistics strategy is essential to ensure the safe, reliable, and cost-effective transportation of production volumes. Within this framework, pumping stations constitute vital components of the transport infrastructure, ensuring flow continuity, pressure stability, and network operability. This study presents a numerical simulation approach based on experimental operational data applied to a 989 km LPG transportation network linking Alrar to Hassi R’mel. The primary objective is to guarantee uninterrupted transport performance under critical operating conditions, particularly in the event of an unexpected shutdown of a pumping station a scenario that poses significant operational and economic risks. The network is modeled using Pipephase 9.6, integrating both continuous variables (flow rates at nodes) and discrete variables (discharge pressures) to accurately capture the system’s hydraulic behavior. The model comprises three pumping stations (SP0, SP1, SP2), three injection nodes (LR1, DLR1, ELR1), and sixteen production fields. The simulation results, validated against experimental data, demonstrate the robustness, adaptability, and resilience of the transport system to maintain stable and efficient LPG flow even under adverse and critical operational scenarios. These findings highlight the strategic importance of dynamic modeling in optimizing energy transport networks and enhancing operational reliability within SONATRACH’s infrastructure.