Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) tools are employed more and more frequently today to predict the behavior of fluid flow (movement of hydrocarbons, water, air, sand, etc.) in the oil and gas industry. While these tools are sophisticated enough to model complex physics, predominantly multi-phase, the accuracy and reliability of the resulting predictions are strongly dependent on how well the models used have been validated against test. Testing can present a major hurdle to validating these tools due to the cost and technical challenges associated with simulating the operational scenarios under investigation, which often involve the combination of deep water conditions and hot hydrocarbons. While the challenges should not be underestimated the importance of validating CFD predictions cannot be overstated.
Case studies including the validation effort are discussed and the challenges and importance associated with the testing and CFD predictions highlighted. Case studies include sand erosion in pipe networks, freezing of water in a pipe to form a pressure barrier, and the dispersion of gas in the water column following a subsea release. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) tools are employed more and more frequently today to predict the behavior of fluid flow (movement of hydrocarbons, water, air, sand, etc.) in the oil and gas industry. While these tools are sophisticated enough to model complex physics, predominantly multi-phase, the accuracy and reliability of the resulting predictions are strongly dependent on how well the models used have been validated against test. Testing can present a major hurdle to validating these tools due to the cost and technical challenges associated with simulating the operational scenarios under investigation, which often involve the combination of deep water conditions and hot hydrocarbons. While the challenges should not be underestimated the importance of validating CFD predictions cannot be overstated.
Case studies including the validation effort are discussed and the challenges and importance associated with the testing and CFD predictions highlighted. Case studies include sand erosion in pipe networks, freezing of water in a pipe to form a pressure barrier, and the dispersion of gas in the water column following a subsea release.
