Abstract:
The study aimed to use computational fluid dynamic package known
CFX to investigate the prediction of particle erosion mechanisms in elbows in pipeline
systems. To be helpful in diagnosis the erosion effects or damages what comes as a result
of solid particles (sand) generally in pipeline system, as part of an investigation into a
specific incident in which an elbow failed on an water pipeline system using Computational
Fluid Dynamic (CFD).
The inherently variable nature of the erosion process makes it very difficult to
develop definitive best practice recommendations that will apply to elbows in all operating
conditions. Rather than attempting to do this, this project provides an overview of the
subject and guidance that will help Engineers to make more informed judgments on
management of erosion in the particular water production systems they operate.
An overview is given of different erosion mechanisms and the factors that influence
them. As sand erosion is the primary cause of problems in water, oil and gas production
facilities, the project then goes on to look at particulate erosion in more detail, particularly
focusing on elbows. A section is included on methods used to minimize, control and predict
erosion in pipeline systems.
From the study the result has been found that the prediction of sand erosion depend
upon many factors as elbow curvature, flow velocity and the roughness of the internal wall
of pipe. So we found from the results of simulations that the erosion rate will be less when
the curvature of elbow is larger.
