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ANSYS FEA and CFD simulation software has been used extensively in the design and engineering of the oil & gas transportion devices and procedures. A number of SimuTech customers are using ANSYS FEA and CFD software for oil & gas transportation projects.
SimuTech has completed many consulting projects directly associated with the transportation of oil & gas.
In addition to simulation software and services, SimuTech is a leader in vibration diagnostics to the oil & gas industry.

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Design Element |
Challenges |
Simulation Benefits |
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Slug Catcher at Hannibal Terminal
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Slug catcher separates residual liquid from gas at end of pipeline
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Gas pipeline from off-shore field to land-based Hannibal terminal
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Every few days a sphere is passed through the pipeline to remove residual liquid
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Plan to increase pipeline capacity
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Does capacity of slug catcher also have to be increased?
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Provided a platform to evaluate the slug catcher performance at the pick capacity
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Established that the existing geometry can handle peak loads, eliminating the need to make a replacement purchase of over $25M
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Established that any excess liquid will move downstream as aerosol
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Provided the ability to model free surface flows, such as motion of slugs in complex piping and flow systems
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Umbilical, Risers, Flexible Piping
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Very high reliability requirements
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Transmitting signals and transporting flows over much longer distances
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Tubing exposed to harsh conditions
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Develop reliable piping for variety of offshore applications
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Requires structural reliability while handling thermal stresses and fatigue
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Manufacturing of multi-tubes including the steel wrapped around
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Complex multi-layer, varying material manufacturing channels
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Build the core tubing and additional helical tube models in an easy to use environment
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Account for different material proprieties
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Evaluate thermal, flow loading and bending stresses. Account for all applied loads including
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High bending angles
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Hydrostatic loads
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End tension
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Gravity
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Flow Assurance
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Deeper water depths leads to complex tubing design and manufacturing concerns including
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Depositions
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Wax formation
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Thermal management
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Erosion inhibitors
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Active heating, insulation and bundle design in harsh environment and deep waters
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Ability to optimize thermal and structural behavior of tube bundles used for deep and ultra deep waters
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Can develop technology for fouling, wax and hydrate formation by obtaining detailed thermal management information, including insulation in the analysis
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Thermal uniformity for start up and shut downs
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Thermal stress and fatigue
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LNG Spill and Fire
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Accident scenario and safety concerns
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LNG leaks and the dispersion in the liquid
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LNG evaporation and tracking of the dispersed gas
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Vapor cloud formation and ignition as the vapor cloud reaches the water surface
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Spreading of the pool fire and the associated
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Multi-body hydrodynamics
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LNG transport and tank design
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Safety and risk assessment
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Pool fire modeling
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Multi-body hydrodynamics
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ANSYS Technical Information in the Oil & Gas Transportation Industry:
Slug catcher
Pool fire
Cavitation in piping
Hydrate plugging prevention
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