Computational Analysis of Flow Properties That Could Cause Pipeline Failure

• Published in: Engineering Computation Proceedings pp. 257 - 260
• Main Author: Achebo, J.I.
• Format: Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: IEEE 01.05.2009
• Subjects: Corrosion; Equations; Failure analysis; Fluid flow; Fluid flow control; Petroleum; Pipelines; Production engineering; Reservoirs; Stress
• ISBN: 9780769536552; 0769536557
• DOI: 10.1109/ICEC.2009.59

This paper examines a fluid-particle flow system with constant pipe burst problems. Particles from the reservoir were found to be a major threat to the service life of conveying pipelines. This is responsible for about 65% of pipeline leakages in Nigeria. This study was done to find computational methods to solve the problem. Equations derived could be used to determine fluid flow properties responsible for pipe failure. Pipeline material yield stress was integrated as a substantial factor; the shear stress that would ordinarily develop through hard particle inclusions in the turbulent mass flow occurring in the transmission pipelines, could increase the pressure and at the same time propagate wear, in turn leading to pipe burst. Model equations were developed that could help to control such failure. The study also expresses the mass transfer behavioral pattern of any such fluid and the interaction with the internal surface of pipelines. The expected pressure drop is also integrated to obtain realistic results of the flow properties. Adaptation of this equation could reduce pipeline leakages.