Oil & Gas Transportation

Oil_Transportation_Small.jpgANSYS 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

Slug Catcher at Hannibal Terminal

  • Slug catcher separates residual liquid from gas at end of pipeline
  • Gas pipeline from off-shore field to land-based Hannibal terminal
  • Every few days a sphere is passed through the pipeline to remove residual liquid
  • Plan to increase pipeline capacity
  • Does capacity of slug catcher also have to be increased?
  • Provided a platform to evaluate the slug catcher performance at the pick capacity
  • Established that the existing geometry can handle peak loads, eliminating the need to make a replacement purchase of over $25M
  • Established that any excess liquid will move downstream as aerosol
  • Provided the ability to model free surface flows, such as motion of slugs in complex piping and flow systems

Umbilical, Risers, Flexible Piping

  • Very high reliability requirements
  • Transmitting signals and transporting flows over much longer distances
  • Tubing exposed to harsh conditions
  • Develop reliable piping for variety of offshore applications
  • Requires structural reliability while handling thermal stresses and fatigue
  • Manufacturing of multi-tubes including the steel wrapped around
  • Complex multi-layer, varying material manufacturing channels
  • Build the core tubing and additional helical tube models in an easy to use environment 
  • Account for different material proprieties
  • Evaluate thermal, flow loading and bending stresses. Account for all applied loads including
    • High bending angles
    • Hydrostatic loads
    • End tension
    • Gravity 

Flow Assurance

  • Deeper water depths leads to complex tubing design and manufacturing concerns including
    • Depositions
    • Wax formation
    • Thermal management
    • Erosion inhibitors
  • Active heating, insulation and bundle design in harsh environment and deep waters
  • Ability to optimize thermal and structural behavior of tube bundles used for deep and ultra deep waters
  • Can develop technology for fouling, wax and hydrate formation by obtaining detailed thermal management information, including insulation in the analysis
  • Thermal uniformity for start up and shut downs
  • Thermal stress and fatigue

LNG Spill and Fire

  • Accident scenario and safety concerns
  • LNG leaks and the dispersion in the liquid
  • LNG evaporation and tracking of the dispersed gas
  • Vapor cloud formation and ignition as the vapor cloud reaches the water surface
  • Spreading of the pool fire and the associated 
  • Multi-body hydrodynamics
  • LNG transport and tank design
  • Safety and risk assessment
  • Pool fire modeling
  • Multi-body hydrodynamics

 


ANSYS Technical Information in the Oil & Gas Transportation Industry:

Slug catcher
Pool fire
Cavitation in piping
Hydrate plugging prevention