Prediction of Erosion in Pipes Using CFD

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.