Inima Tamunodienye
3D numerical simulations of liquid-gas flow development in subsea jumper with variable flow rates.
Email: i.tamunodienye2@ncl.ac.uk
Project supervisors
Project description
Subsea jumpers are short pipes connecting two components. They carry production fluid between the components. I am exploring the occurrence and development process of internal slug flows. These cause oscillations due to pressure and momentum forces acting on the walls and multiple bends of subsea jumpers.
I am using 3-D numerical methods. I will identify the level of risk of resonance and pipe oscillation. I will base this on the magnitude and frequency response spectra of the pressure forces.
Finally, I will carry out a detailed fluid structure interaction analysis. This will determine the structural response of the pipe. It will find the displacements and stresses within the pipe to internal multiphase flow.
Methodology
I am simulating the slug flow regime using the CFD tool Ansys Fluent. I am performing a structural analysis with FEA code using Ansys Structure. This will compare:
- fluid frequency and natural frequencies, and
- the frequency spectra of the pressure forces with the natural frequencies
The excitation frequency should not be within ±20% of the natural frequencies of the pipe. If this occurs, I will perform a two-way coupling simulation between the CFD tool and the structural FEM. This will estimate the stresses and displacements.
I will provide a dependable flow process design to improve integrity and reliability of structural systems of the subsea production system. The design will also eliminate troublesome flow regimes like slug, capable of causing problems to subsea systems.
Results
I will incorporate the estimated results in the design of subsea structural systems. This will end the problematic flow conditions causing fatigue and failure of structural systems. This has not been the case over the years in the oil and gas subsea industry.
Interests
Football
Qualifications
- BTech Marine Engineering – RSUST
- MSc Offshore & Ocean Technology – Cranfield University