Transport networks are designed to transport gas over longer distance. They are equipped with remote control which transmits all relevant data to the control centre. From the point of view of modeling these networks have an excellent information base for a moderate number of pipes and nodes (measurement points) making modeling straightforward and easy. The network structure of a transport system tends to be sparsely intermeshed.

2.4 Distribution networks

Distribution networks are designed to transport gas over shorter distance, e. g. within a city. They are equipped also with remote control, but only important data is transmitted to the control center. The amount of data handled may be subject to changes in the future when for each customer Smart Metering and on upper level Smart Grid will be introduced. From the point of view of modeling the distribution networks have an acceptable information base for all pipes but moderate number of measurement points making modeling an intensive work. The network structure of a distribution system tends to be strongly intermeshed. Distribution networks may have also a smaller trunk transportation system at a higher pressure level (e. g. 25, 16, 10 or 4 bar) while most of the pipes in the final distribution area are operated at 0.022 to 0.8 bar depending on the required flows.