A Network-Based Approach to Assess Vulnerability of Gas Pipeline System

Abstract

This paper provides an approach for assessing the vulnerability of the gas pipeline network. The impacts of the failure of the pipeline links are quantitatively assessed based on the gas supply areas it affects using the breadth first tree method. This approach allows identification of the pipeline network links that are vital to network vulnerability. The proposed methodology is tested and demonstrated with part of the gas network of Beijing, China. Vulnerability map is generated for identifying high impact areas requiring particular inspections and protection.