Vulnerability analysis of a natural gas pipeline network based on network flow

Abstract A vulnerability analysis of the transportation capacity of a natural-gas pipeline network based on network flow was proposed. This analysis focused on the inherent properties instead of the environment and probabilities, which are usually considered in conventional risk assessments. The topology of the pipeline network was established in the form of a graph, and maximum-flow algorithm was applied to identify crucial pipelines that affect the transportation capacity of the natural-gas pipeline network. From the perspective of network efficiency and flow-based performance, three vulnerability indicators of the transportation capacity of the network were established. These indicators can better identify the critical pipelines, especially those with low failure probability but potential gas-transportation vulnerability. We investigated the development of a pipeline network and that of the natural-gas market at different stages to plan an optimal pipeline network route and determine the transmission capacity, in order to improve the reliability and economy of the entire pipeline network.