Feasibility Analysis of Hartmann-Sprenger Effect for Quasi-Isothermal Pressure Reduction of Natural Gas

Transporting gas over long distances requires high pressure, which must be reduced before the gas is distributed to consumers. This pressure reduction occurs at pressure reduction facilities, where the gas pressure is reduced by using the gas flow energy to overcome the local resistance. According to the Joule-Thomson law, the gas is simultaneously cooled. This leads to the risk of freezing of the valves, precipitation of gas hydrates and disruption of the continuity of the metal. To prevent this from happening, an additional supply of thermal energy is required. This leads to low energy efficiency of the reduction process. Of course, the optimal solution to this problem would be direct conversion of gas pressure energy into thermal energy. This paper presents a brief review of the literature and an analysis of the Hartmann–Sprenger effect efficiency in terms of quasi-isothermal reduction of pressure at gas transportation system. Scientists identify the following factors that influence the occurrence and existence of the effect: pressure drop across the nozzle, geometry and location of the resonator. Regarding practical application concerns, attention is paid to the level of generated vibrations and noise, the possibility of cleaning the resonator cavity from contamination, and the thermal and strength properties of the materials used. Taking into account these provisions, the implementation of a pressure regulator based on the Hartmann-Sprenger effect seems possible.