Numerical Simulation for Natural Gas and Hydrogen-Blended Natural Gas Pipeline Safety: A Comprehensive Analysis of the “Leakage–Dispersion–Evolution–Consequence” Disaster Chain

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Abstract
Against the backdrop of global energy transition and the widespread adoption of Hydrogen-Blended Natural Gas (HBNG), the safety of urban gas pipeline networks faces severe challenges. This paper systematically reviews the research progress of numerical simulation in the field of natural gas pipeline safety, focusing on its core supporting roles throughout the “Leakage–Dispersion–Evolution–Consequence” disaster chain. First, it analyzes the kinetic modeling of high-pressure leakage holes and property corrections based on real gas equations of state, elaborating on the numerical characterization of HBNG multi-component transport. Second, it compares the dispersion mechanisms and environmental coupling modeling methods in typical scenarios such as buried porous media, confined spaces in utility tunnels, underwater environments, and urban building clusters. Third, it reviews leakage monitoring technologies based on physical field simulation and data-driven approaches (e.g., Convolutional Neural Network, Long Short-Term Memory), emphasizing the value of numerical simulation in constructing digital twin training sets. Furthermore, it explores the dynamic evolution of explosion flame–shock wave interactions and the evaluation models for secondary disaster consequences. Finally, the current research status of grid-based risk pre-warning and emergency response strategies is summarized. In conclusion, numerical simulation is not only a robust method for precisely quantifying and characterizing complex physical mechanisms but also a critical technological foundation for building smart and resilient energy cities. Future research should focus on the deep coupling of multi-physics fields, physics-informed learning, and the development of system-level integrated defense systems.
Funding Information
  • Research Project of China Petroleum Pipeline Bureau Engineering Co., Ltd (2024-19)
  • China Postdoctoral Science Foundation (2024M763653)
  • “Pioneer” and “Leading Goose” R&D Program of Zhejiang (2025C01152)
  • Chongqing University of Science and Technology (CSTB2023NSCQ- MSX0050)

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