Downstream Users Research Articles

Towards Streamlined Transparent Data Linkage

Linked data is a powerful resource within data analytics and population-level research. However, methods for linkage vary and the choice of approach can impact downstream usage of data by introducing assumptions and biases in resulting links. Selecting stringent linkage methods helps strengthen identified links at risk of missing links; meanwhile, lenient rules or ill-considered comparisons may introduce false positive links. Therefore, the approach is non-trivial, requiring careful selection of preprocessing steps, model development and quality review to ensure suitable outputs, which can require significant human expertise and insight. Real-world population-scale linkage can benefit from automation and scalability offered within modern data centres, with many tasks eligible for pipelining, such as applying predefined cleaning routines, training defined models, and generating mapping tables. Despite this, there are still pinch points requiring human interaction, such as selecting appropriate linkage fields, blocking rules and comparison methods, and reviewing quality of predictions. We present an approach to provide scalable automation in linkage pipelines, whilst retaining transparency of the linkage process for downstream users, providing them with a dataset’s life history. The work output for a given dataset is a versioned catalogue documenting the dataset’s journey, with transparent reporting of data origin, linkage settings, routines, and privacy-preserving quality analysis for inspection. This gives researchers insight into how it may affect their data and provides confidence in data usage. These insights also work in both directions, allowing users to provide feedback and iteratively refine linkage approaches.

High Temperature Solid Oxide Electrolysis for Green Hydrogen Production.

Global warming and energy crises have motivated the development of renewable energy and its energy carriers. Green hydrogen is the most promising renewable energy carrier and will be fundamental to future energy conversion and storage systems. Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cells (SOECs) are a promising green hydrogen production technology featuring high electrical efficiency, no noble metal catalyst usage, and reversible operation. This review provides a timely summary of the latest SOEC progress, covering developments at various levels, from cells to stacks to systems. Cell/stack components, configurations, advanced electrode material/fabrication, and novel characterization methods are discussed. Electrochemical and durable performance for each cell/stack configuration is reviewed, focusing on degradation mechanisms and associated mitigation strategies. SOEC system integration with renewable energy and downstream users is outlined, showing flexibility, robustness, scalability, viability, and energy efficiency. Challenges of cost and durability are expected to be overcome by innovation in material, fabrication, production, integration, and operation. Overall, this comprehensive review identifies the SOEC commercialization bottleneck, encourages further technology development, and envisions a future green hydrogen society with net-zero carbon emissions.

Challenges in Lipidomics Biomarker Identification: Avoiding the Pitfalls and Improving Reproducibility.

Identification of features with high levels of confidence in liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) lipidomics research is an essential part of biomarker discovery, but existing software platforms can give inconsistent results, even from identical spectral data. This poses a clear challenge for reproducibility in biomarker identification. In this work, we illustrate the reproducibility gap for two open-access lipidomics platforms, MS DIAL and Lipostar, finding just 14.0% identification agreement when analyzing identical LC-MS spectra using default settings. Whilst the software platforms performed more consistently using fragmentation data, agreement was still only 36.1% for MS2 spectra. This highlights the critical importance of validation across positive and negative LC-MS modes, as well as the manual curation of spectra and lipidomics software outputs, in order to reduce identification errors caused by closely related lipids and co-elution issues. This curation process can be supplemented by data-driven outlier detection in assessing spectral outputs, which is demonstrated here using a novel machine learning approach based on support vector machine regression combined with leave-one-out cross-validation. These steps are essential to reduce the frequency of false positive identifications and close the reproducibility gap, including between software platforms, which, for downstream users such as bioinformaticians and clinicians, can be an underappreciated source of biomarker identification errors.

T1-weighted Motion Mitigation in Abdominal MRI: Technical Principles, Clinical Applications, Current Limitations, and Future Prospects.

T1-weighted (T1W) pulse sequences are an indispensable component of clinical protocols in abdominal MRI but usually require multiple breath holds (BHs) during the examination, which not all patients can sustain. Patient motion can affect the quality of T1W imaging so that key diagnostic information, such as intrinsic signal intensity and contrast enhancement image patterns, cannot be determined. Patient motion also has a negative impact on examination efficiency, as multiple acquisition attempts prolong the duration of the examination and often remain noncontributory. Techniques for mitigation of motion-related artifacts at T1W imaging include multiple arterial acquisitions within one BH; free breathing with respiratory gating or respiratory triggering; and radial imaging acquisition techniques, such as golden-angle radial k-space acquisition (stack-of-stars). While each of these techniques has inherent strengths and limitations, the selection of a specific motion-mitigation technique is based on several factors, including the clinical task under investigation, downstream technical ramifications, patient condition, and user preference. The authors review the technical principles of free-breathing motion mitigation techniques in abdominal MRI with T1W sequences, offer an overview of the established clinical applications, and outline the existing limitations of these techniques. In addition, practical guidance for abdominal MRI protocol strategies commonly encountered in clinical scenarios involving patients with limited BH abilities is rendered. Future prospects of free-breathing T1W imaging in abdominal MRI are also discussed. ©RSNA, 2024 See the invited commentary by Fraum and An in this issue.

Can Agricultural Managed Aquifer Recharge (Ag‐MAR) Recover Return Flows Under Prior Appropriation in a Warming Climate?

AbstractGroundwater return flow to streams is important for maintaining aquatic habitat and providing water to downstream users, particularly in irrigated watersheds experiencing water scarcity. However, in many agricultural regions, increased irrigation efficiency has reduced return flows and their subsequent in‐stream benefits. Agricultural managed aquifer recharge (Ag‐MAR)—where artificial recharge is conducted via irrigation canals and agricultural fields—may be a tool to recover these return flows, but implementation is challenged by water supply and water management. Using climate‐driven streamflow simulations, an integrated operations‐hydrology model, and a regional groundwater model, we investigated the potential for Ag‐MAR to recover return flows in the Henrys Fork Snake River, Idaho (USA). We simulated potential Ag‐MAR operations for water years 2023–2052, accounting for both future water supply conditions and local water management rules. We determined that Ag‐MAR operations reduced springtime peak flow at the watershed outlet by 10%–14% after accounting for return flows. Recharge contribution to streamflow peaked in July and November, increasing July–August streamflow by 6%–14% and November–March streamflow by 9%–14%. Furthermore, sites where Ag‐MAR was conducted incidental to flood irrigation had more water available for recharge, compared to sites requiring recharge rights, which are junior in priority to agricultural rights. Mean annual recharge volume for the incidental recharge sites averaged 12% of annual natural streamflow, ranged from 269 to 335 Mm3, and was largely available in April and October. We demonstrate Ag‐MAR can effectively recover groundwater return flows when applied as flood irrigation on agricultural land with senior‐priority water rights.

Inconsistent health hazard information across safety data sheets for substances in cleaning products used in healthcare centres

Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) are used to inform downstream users of any hazardous substances in chemical products and advise on how to manage the risks from using these products. It is therefore important that information on the SDS is accurate and consistent. This study investigates the accuracy and consistency of hazard information included in the SDSs of cleaning products used in the healthcare sector in England and Wales.Data on cleaning products used in the National Health Service (NHS) in England and Wales and their chemical composition and any hazard information (as H-statements) were collected from the products’ SDSs obtained from the NHS supply online catalogue. By each hazard, mainly respiratory hazards, the number of hazardous substances specified as hazardous in all SDSs was identified. Moreover, we investigated hazard characteristics of substances identified by only SDS (at least one SDS) or only through Harmonised Classifications and Labeling (CLH) or by SDS and through CLH simultaneously.In total, 229 unique chemical substances were found in 473 cleaning products’ SDSs. All 4 respiratory sensitisiers were identified in all SDSs and through CLH. However, only 14 of the 25 respiratory irritants (56.0 %) were consistently labelled across all SDSs. Although respiratory irritation characteristics of 3 substances were classified through CLH, it was not identified by any of the relevant SDSs.Substantially incorrect and inconsistent health hazard information for the same substances was identified across SDSs. Therefore, healthcare workers and their managers may not receive accurate information on the presence of and potential for exposure to hazardous substances in the cleaning products they are using.

The influence of different tree species and age on the surface water balance of a small commercial forestry catchment

Acacia mearnsii and Eucalyptus dunnii plantations play an important role in the South African economy as a source for a variety of wood products. However, these species are commonly associated with high evapotranspiration (ET) which may cause streamflow reduction, affecting downstream water users who are reliant on the stream for survival. The potential future increase in exotic plantations worldwide necessitates understanding the impact of these different species on the water balance, hence the streamflow. At the Two Streams research catchment in South Africa, intense hydrological observations (streamflow, ET and weather) have been conducted on A. mearnsii for almost two decades. In 2018, the catchment was clear-felled with subsequent replanting of E. dunnii and hydrological measurements continued. This provided an opportunity to present observations of the surface water balance of the catchment. However, gaps in the data at various times prevented a compilation of a continuous hydrological record. Therefore, three window periods, with complete records of streamflow, ET and precipitation, and with similar weather conditions, were compared. Only the interception loss (Il) was estimated using the Von Hoyningen-Huene method. First window, A. mearnsii trees were three years old (Amear3), second window, A. mearnsii trees were seven years old (Amear7) and the third window, E. dunnii trees were three years old (Edun3). Results indicated a negative catchment surface water balance for all window periods. During the Amear7 window period, the Il was highest compared to the young crops, which reduced effective precipitation, in turn contributing to the lowest measured streamflow. The negative surface water balance and high ET, suggests that trees were accessing water not quantified in the surface water balance. Crops of all three window periods were found to have the potential to significantly reduce the streamflow, which may in turn affect downstream water users. Further research using isotopes to trace the sources of water used by trees in the system is suggested.

The amplified effect of market size on innovation: A comparative analysis of pea and wheat seed value chains in France

CONTEXTDespite their interest for agro-ecological transition, grain legumes remain poorly cultivated in France. One reason is the low availability of seed innovations for farmers which, to a large extend, is related to the low incentives to innovate for these crops which represent a small acreage. OBJECTIVEIn this article, we analyze the link between market size and the efforts made to create, diffuse and value innovation. We compare two value chains related to two field crops in France that mainly differ in terms of market size, namely, pea and wheat. Our analysis focuses more specifically on the seed-related innovations created in the upstream part of these value chains. In both of these cases, innovation relies on multiple complementary activities carried out by different actors, including the creation of the innovation, the production and diffusion of technical knowledge, the production and distribution of the innovation, and its valorization by downstream users. METHODSThe two case studies on the pea and wheat sectors were conducted using a qualitative approach based on public documentation, 16 semistructured interviews with various actors in the innovation system of the two value chains and data on commercialized pea and wheat varieties. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONWe show that the level of investment in each of these activities is highly related to market size. This result is first explained by the fact that part (if not all) of the cost of these activities is fixed; that is, these activity costs do not depend on the diffusion of innovation. This result is also explained by the complementarity of these activities, which makes the investment in one activity less beneficial if the investment in complementary activities is low. As a consequence, the effect of market size on innovation is self-reinforcing in those cases where innovation relies on different activities managed by different actors. SIGNIFICANCEIn agricultural sectors, where there is a need for innovations in both large and small markets, this result calls for an evolution of innovation funding mechanisms to attenuate the impact of market size.

Willingness to Pay for Watershed Services by Downstream Water Users in Babati District, Tanzania

Payment for Ecosystem Services promotes watershed management through Payment for Watershed Services. It encourages improved land management practices in upstream areas to enhance the quantity and quality of water downstream. The Nou Forest Reserve in Babati district covers Lake Manyara's headwaters. Its rivers are the primary water source for the area's inhabitants. However, there have been reports of declining water quality and quantity, presenting an opportunity to introduce payment for watershed services for Nou Forest Reserve conservation and management. The present study was conducted to assess the level of awareness among downstream water users about the importance of watersheds in providing sustainable water supply. Using the Contingent Valuation Method, the study estimated the communities’ willingness to pay for improved watershed services, analysed factors influencing capacity to pay, and examined possible operational modes for implementing payment mechanisms. A total of 155 domestic water users and 50 non-domestic water users were interviewed. It was found that 71% of domestic water users and 82% of non-domestic water users were willing to pay for improved watershed services, with a mean willingness to pay estimated at TAS 1261 per user/year for domestic water users and TAS 112322 per user/year for non-domestic water users. Factors such as gender, occupation, education, and farm size significantly (P<0.05) influenced water users' willingness to pay. Income was a significant factor in the willingness to pay for non-domestic water users, but it was not significant for domestic water users. The current study suggests that downstream water users in Babati district, who act as watershed service buyers, could collect a water user fee based on estimated amounts. This approach would help address declining water quality and quantity through improved watershed management and thus enhance watershed conservation and management.

Long-Term Impacts of Glacier Retreat on Downstream Water Availability in Ethiopia

Purpose: The aim of the study was to examine Long-Term Impacts of Glacier Retreat on Downstream Water Availability in Ethiopia. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: The study revealed that as glaciers continue to shrink due to climate change, the hydrological systems in mountainous regions of Ethiopia, such as the Simien Mountains and Bale Mountains, face disruptions in water supply, affecting both local communities and downstream users. The reduction in glacial meltwater contributes to decreased streamflow, altered river regimes, and increased variability in water availability, exacerbating water stress in a country already prone to droughts and water scarcity. Moreover, glacier retreat affects ecosystems, biodiversity, and livelihoods dependent on freshwater resources, further amplifying socio-economic vulnerabilities in the region. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Climate Change Theory, Hydrological Cycle Theory & Systems Theory may be used to anchor future studies on Long-Term Impacts of Glacier Retreat on Downstream Water Availability in Ethiopia. Implement cutting-edge technologies for real-time monitoring of glacier melt and downstream water flow. Use satellite imagery, remote sensing, and IoT sensors to gather data that can inform water management practices in real time. Develop and enforce policies that ensure sustainable water use and prioritize the maintenance of water quality and ecosystem health. This includes setting limits on water withdrawals based on sustainability criteria and enhancing the legal frameworks protecting water rights.

Assessing the impact of authorisation process as a regulatory tool in the European REACH regulation: A study on improving occupational safety for applying companies.

This study looks into the effectiveness of the authorisation procedure as a regulatory instrument within the framework of the European REACH regulation. It highlights its impact on enhancing occupational safety and health for both applicants and companies utilising the substances. This procedure encompasses manufacturers, importers, and downstream users of substances, as well as representatives of foreign manufacturers who are also eligible to seek authorisation. When applying for authorisation, the ECHA Risk Assessment Committee (RAC) assesses the risks associated with the intended uses of the substance, including the appropriateness and effectiveness of the Occupational Conditions (OCs) and Risk Management Measures (RMMs) described in the application and the risks posed by potential alternatives. If the RAC determines that the OCs/RMMs are inadequate for managing or controlling the risk, or if the measures to protect workers are deemed insufficient, it may recommend additional measures to enhance occupational safety and health or environmental protection. The 398 processed Applications for Authorisation (AfA) that have been submitted to date were examined to determine these recommended measures, categorised as Conditions for use, Monitoring arrangements, and Recommendations for Review Reports. Overall, a significant improvement concerning occupational safety and health seems necessary, as indicated by the large number of measures recommended by the ECHA Committee for Risk Assessment (RAC) and ECHA Committee for Socio-economic Analysis (SEAC) or supplemented by the European Commission. In addition to the proposed measures, a short assessment provided by the committees as to whether the operational conditions and risk management measures are adequate in controlling the risks is also included in the study.

Evaluation Method for Technology Readiness Assessment in High-purity Metal Target

Technology readiness level is an assessment tool for technology risk control, widely used in large-scale complex engineering such as military and aerospace industries. High purity metal targets are one of the key materials required for production in fields such as semiconductors, flat panel displays, and solar cells. The technology and process are very complex, which determines the level of technological maturity and will have a significant impact on downstream applications. This article combines the needs of downstream users and establishes a technology maturity evaluation model for high-purity metal targets with "parameters-indicators-data" as the core. It develops a technology maturity evaluation method suitable for high-purity metal targets and uses high-purity cobalt targets as an example for evaluation and application practice. It diagnoses the problems existing in the industrialization process, proposes improvement suggestions, and helps target production enterprises continuously improve and enhance.

An assessment of the carbon emissions of China's ICT system from the demand and supply perspectives

Previous research has predominantly examined China's Information and Communication Technology (ICT) industry's carbon emissions through the lens of technological progress, overlooking impacts from both demand and supply perspectives. We employ a subsystem input-output model to analyze the total emissions of China's ICT industry from 2002 to 2020, decomposing them into direct, intra-sectoral, feedback, and spillover components from both perspectives. Our findings reveal that between 2002 and 2020, demand-driven emissions increased by 205.1 %, while supply-driven emissions surged by 496.4 %. From both demand and supply perspectives, the spillover component emerged as the dominant contributor from 2002 to 2020, particularly in 2020, accounting for more than 99 % of the total emissions. From a demand-driven perspective, we identify ICT manufacturing as the primary emissions source, contributing to over 66 % of the total emissions during the period and triggering significant spillover emissions in the power and heavy manufacturing sectors. Conversely, the supply-driven approach highlights ICT services as the major emitter, accounting for over 70 % of the total emissions between 2002 and 2020, with notable spillover effects observed in the transport sector. We highlight the significance of shaping consumption behaviors related to ICT manufacturing products and improving emissions efficiency in electricity and heavy manufacturing, both crucial intermediate inputs in ICT production, from a demand perspective. From a supply perspective, promoting the adoption of clean technologies among downstream users of ICT services could aid China's emissions mitigation efforts in the digital era.

Life cycle assessment and product carbon footprint for SHG zinc production

The industry’s environmental impact has moved into focus at global level. Regulators, supply chains, and the financial sector need credible, standardized, and transparent information for multiple reasons. These include regulatory targets for limiting emissions, downstream user optimizations, and developing science-based emission reduction strategies. By characterizing environmental impacts, companies can satisfy stakeholder demands and measure progress towards goals. In this paper, an introduction to life cycle assessment (LCA) for reporting on environmental impacts, including the product carbon footprint as global warming potential is given. Average results from the most recent global LCA update for special high-grade zinc production are summarized. Resulting carbon footprint information is then used to derive the zinc industry’s baseline carbon footprint as the starting point for the decarbonization roadmap for the global zinc industry.

Identification of optimal number and location of isolation valves in an urban water distribution network

Abstract Urban water distribution networks (UWDNs) are critical infrastructures that provide essential services in an urban setting. Such infrastructures are subject to frequent breakdowns, disrupting services to downstream users. Installation of isolation valves (IVs) at strategic locations can reduce such adverse impacts by isolating small segments of the network and expediting repairs, which in turn contribute to water conservation and leak control. However, determining the optimal number of IVs and their placement is a disturbing question for the researchers. This study proposes a methodology to assess the optimal number of IVs in a UWDN and identify their placement in the best of the worst possible scenarios. Based on the network topology and the associated IV costs, it identifies the optimal numbers and their places to minimize the maximum undeliverable demand. The methodology is illustrated with the help of a small water distribution network. Thereafter, the proposed methodology is applied to a real-type UWDN. The results indicate that the optimal number of IVs for the case study is 10, which should be placed at strategic locations to reduce the maximum undeliverable demand to 18% of the total demand.

Water conflict analysis in the Balangan Irrigation Area: causes, impacts, and management strategies

The Balangan irrigation area has grappled with a 20-year water shortage due to disorganized canal systems, causing water scarcity in droughts and floods during the rainy season. Conflicts between upstream and downstream users compound these challenges. This study analyzes water conflicts, their causes, impacts, and resolution strategies. Employing descriptive approaches, it identifies factors triggering conflicts, their societal and agricultural effects, and sustainable solutions. Findings reveal that the narrowing of water channels, exacerbated by concrete structures, has caused an imbalance in water distribution between Subak Balangan and Subak Palean. Sedimentation and irregular channel regulation exacerbate water loss and prolonged scarcity. The study underscores the necessity of comprehensive management strategies, prioritizing Water Rights and Allocation Policies, Community Participation, and Rainwater Harvesting and Conservation. These strategies promise practical, feasible, sustainable, and impactful solutions. Regulating water rights and allocations provides a framework, and community engagement ensures local perspectives are considered, while rainwater harvesting and conservation techniques reduce water stress and foster agricultural resilience. Integrating these strategies can achieve a comprehensive approach to sustainable water management in the Balangan Irrigation area.

Optimization strategy of power purchase and sale for electricity retailers in a two-tier market

Against the backdrop of the gradual advancement of China's electricity market reform, the number of Power Trading Companies in China has been increasing year by year, and as of October 2022, the number has reached more than 10,000. As an important hub connecting the electricity market and users, electricity retailers face double risks from downstream user load fluctuations and electricity market price fluctuations. Therefore, a reasonable power purchase and sale strategy is very important for an electricity retailer. In this study, a block bidding mechanism is adopted to optimize the clearing of the medium-to long-term market and a DA-RBF neural network is established for spot electricity price forecasting model based on numerical feature similarity to improve the accuracy of electricity price forecasting. Furthermore, the model considers the differences in user demand responses and investigates the optimal power purchase and sale strategy, guided by differentiated time-of-use electricity pricing. The case study analysis demonstrated that the proposed power purchase and sale optimization strategy yields favorable results, improving profitability and enhancing the stability of the power system.

Disentangling Satellite Precipitation Estimate Errors of Heavy Rainfall at the Daily and Sub-Daily Scales in the Western Mediterranean

In the last decade, substantial improvements have been achieved in quantitative satellite precipitation estimates, which are essential for a wide range of applications. In this study, we evaluated the performance of Integrated Multi-satellitE Retrievals for GPM (IMERG V06B) at the sub-daily and daily scales. Ten years of half-hourly precipitation records aggregated at different sub-daily periods were evaluated over a region in the Western Mediterranean. The analysis at the half-hourly scale examined the contribution of passive microwave (PMW) and infrared (IR) sources in IMERG estimates, as well as the relationship between various microphysical cloud properties using Cloud Microphysics (CMIC–NWC SAF) data. The results show the following: (1) a marked tendency to underestimate precipitation compared to rain gauges which increases with rainfall intensity and temporal resolution, (2) a weaker negative bias for retrievals with PMW data, (3) an increased bias when filling PMW gaps by including IR information, and (4) an improved performance in the presence of precipitating ice clouds compared to warm and mixed-phase clouds. This work contributes to the understanding of the factors affecting satellite estimates of extreme precipitation. Their relationship with the microphysical characteristics of clouds generates added value for further downstream applications and users’ decision making.

Valley‐bottom wetlands as temporary buffers for source‐to‐sink dispersal of sediment and associated phosphorus in dryland landscapes

AbstractSediment trapping in wetlands is an essential ecosystem service, with implications for downstream ecosystems and water users. There is however limited empirical evidence of the contemporary rates and magnitude of sediment trapping in valley‐bottom wetlands. Time‐averaged suspended sediment samples from the inlets and outlets of forestry‐ and agriculturally‐impacted valley‐bottom wetlands with contrasting morphometric characteristics were compared in terms of suspended sediment and associated total phosphorous (total P) fluxes over annual scales, a dataset that was limited by Covid travel constraints. Although both wetlands were net depositional, contemporary suspended sediment mass balances for the agriculturally‐impacted wetland revealed a temporal change in the amount of sediment trapped over two water years (2019/2020 and 2020/2021), with trapping efficacies of 91% and 24%, respectively. The proportion of sediment trapped in the water year of 2020/2021 within the adjacent wetland, with a small commercially forested catchment, was up to 4 times higher than the agriculturally‐impacted wetland, which drained a larger catchment. Rates of total P retention showed that the agriculturally‐impacted wetland was a net sink for phosphorus in 2019/2020, but shifted to a source of phosphorus in 2020/2021 as the export of suspended sediment was enhanced. However, this contrasts with the forestry‐impacted wetland, which was a net sink of sediment and associated phosphorus during the one‐year study period of 2020/2021. Overall, despite data constraints, this study suggests that the efficacy of valley‐bottom wetlands in the delivery of sediment trapping and phosphorus removal ecosystem services varies temporally and spatially. This variability is potentially related to the interaction between annual rainfall regimes, catchment size and wetland geomorphic character. The temporary nature of sediment recycling processes could serve to balance wetland dynamics by regulating vertical growth of valley floors and longitudinal slope stability and should be considered in catchment management and wetland restoration planning strategies.

Allocation of transportation capacity for complex natural gas pipeline network under fair opening

China has formed a national natural gas pipeline network, and reasonable and accurate pipeline capacity allocation scheme has important significance for improving the utilization rate of pipeline network, improving the income of pipeline network operators and ensuring the gas consumption of downstream users, which poses greater challenges to the formulation of pipeline capacity allocation rules and mechanisms. This paper takes the natural gas pipeline network system as the research object, and studies the rules and mechanisms of pipeline capacity allocation. A capacity allocation model of natural gas pipeline network is proposed with the net present value of pipeline network operator's income as the goal, considering the gas consumption characteristics of downstream users, the dynamic change of gas source node capacity, pipeline hydraulic characteristics, pipeline flow direction, compressor and other constraints. Based on the simulation of the actual pipeline network by the proposed model, seven allocation rules and one mechanism are proposed. Specifically, the user priority of non-interruptible type, the pipeline path adjustable type and the gas source node adjustable type is higher than the corresponding comparison type. In the pipeline capacity allocation mechanism, the amount compensation mechanism for pipeline capacity transactions is as follows: When the pipeline capacity transaction occurs between users, the transaction information is submitted to the pipeline network operator. The pipeline network operator proposes the corresponding amount compensation according to the transaction information, and the transaction parties negotiate the proportion of the amount compensation and submit it to the pipeline network operator. In addition, it is recommended that pipeline network operators vigorously develop LNG receiving stations and downstream interruptible and compressible users in the future.