Objective Analyzing the applicability of pipeline simulation technology in energy measurement, and examine the deviation between simulation calculation results and actual pipeline measurement values.

Methods Using a closed natural gas pipeline network with multiple gas sources will be as an example, a simulation model with functions for natural gas heat generation, pressure, and flow calculation was established. This model is based on the theoretical foundation of pipeline network simulation for energy measurement.

Results The deviation between the simulation results of heat generation and the calculated values of the on-site chromatographic analyzer is within 0.3%, which meets the requirements of the maximum allowable error of assigned heat generation in GB/T 18603—2023 Technical requirement of measuring systems for natural gas. The deviation between the pressure simulation calculation result and the recorded value of the on-site pressure transmitter is within 1.0%, and the deviation between the flow simulation calculation result and the measured value of the on-site flow meter is within 2.0%.

Conclusions The energy measurement technology based on pipeline simulation is a feasible method for assigning heat generation values to complex multi-gas source pipelines. This method can also be used for real-time tracking or verification of pipeline pressure, flow rate, and natural gas pipeline inventory.