A computational fluid dynamics investigation into the particulate erosion of oilfield control valves
A computational fluid dynamics investigation into the particulate erosion of oilfield control valves
This research programme details the development of a numerical technique, whereby the solid particle erosion phenomena experienced within petroleum control valves can be investigated. The study has been facilitated by the collaboration of the University of Southampton and BP Exploration Operating Co. Ltd, under the Engineering & Physical Science Research Council CASE scheme.
Sand particles, produced in addition to petroleum fluids, present a major erosional hazard to transport and process control equipment within the oil industry. The control valve, or choke, is most susceptible to erosion, experiencing failures in a matter of days for the most extreme cases. Figures obtained by BP suggest that 35% of choke failures can be attributed to erosion for one major oilfield; such a failure rate presents a major economic handicap with regards to both lost production and change-out costs.
The primary objective of the research programme was the extension of a commercial Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) code, CFX-F3D, such that the intensity and distribution of solid particle erosion rates within complex geometric configurations, such as chokes, could be predicted. Particle trajectories were computed through the momentum argument with the turbulent flow field; the flow field being predicted through the standard turbulence closure model of the CFD code. The erosion rates were computed as a function of individual particle impact characteristics, given target material type. Three dimensional surface plots of the choke internals displayed the particle impact velocities, angle of impact and erosion rates. Erosion hotspots are identified, allowing design evolution to be easily incorporated and analysed. Such a process improves our understanding of the erosion mechanisms induced.
University of Southampton
Forder, Alister Frank
4027ec85-1f6f-4eec-8a52-c98a81138a93
2001
Forder, Alister Frank
4027ec85-1f6f-4eec-8a52-c98a81138a93
Forder, Alister Frank
(2001)
A computational fluid dynamics investigation into the particulate erosion of oilfield control valves.
University of Southampton, Doctoral Thesis.
Record type:
Thesis
(Doctoral)
Abstract
This research programme details the development of a numerical technique, whereby the solid particle erosion phenomena experienced within petroleum control valves can be investigated. The study has been facilitated by the collaboration of the University of Southampton and BP Exploration Operating Co. Ltd, under the Engineering & Physical Science Research Council CASE scheme.
Sand particles, produced in addition to petroleum fluids, present a major erosional hazard to transport and process control equipment within the oil industry. The control valve, or choke, is most susceptible to erosion, experiencing failures in a matter of days for the most extreme cases. Figures obtained by BP suggest that 35% of choke failures can be attributed to erosion for one major oilfield; such a failure rate presents a major economic handicap with regards to both lost production and change-out costs.
The primary objective of the research programme was the extension of a commercial Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) code, CFX-F3D, such that the intensity and distribution of solid particle erosion rates within complex geometric configurations, such as chokes, could be predicted. Particle trajectories were computed through the momentum argument with the turbulent flow field; the flow field being predicted through the standard turbulence closure model of the CFD code. The erosion rates were computed as a function of individual particle impact characteristics, given target material type. Three dimensional surface plots of the choke internals displayed the particle impact velocities, angle of impact and erosion rates. Erosion hotspots are identified, allowing design evolution to be easily incorporated and analysed. Such a process improves our understanding of the erosion mechanisms induced.
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Published date: 2001
Identifiers
Local EPrints ID: 464366
URI: http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/464366
PURE UUID: fac8bbb3-a8f0-454f-a27e-01a00f069e94
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Date deposited: 04 Jul 2022 22:21
Last modified: 16 Mar 2024 19:27
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Author:
Alister Frank Forder
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