CFD Modeling of Erosive Wear of the Main Gas Pipeline Linear Part Shaped Elements

Abstract

3D modeling of the main gas pipeline linear part shaped elements was carried out, where a complex movement of multiphase flow is present, as well as their direction change, swirl, collision of discrete phases with the pipeline wall, pipe wall erosive wear. Based on Lagrange approach (Discrete Phase Model), CFD modeling methods of erosive wear of the main gas pipeline linear part shaped elements were developed (elbows, T-junctions) using software package ANSYS Fluent R17.0 Academic. The mathematical model is based on solving the Navier-Stokes system of equations, continuity, discrete phase movement, Finney equation, closed with Launder-Sharma two-parameter k – ε turbulence model with appropriate initial and boundary conditions. In T-junctions modeling was performed for gas movement through T-junction line with a part of the gas flow passing to the T-junction elbow. The modeling results were visualized in postprocessor ANSYS Fluent R17.0 Academic by building discrete phase concentration fields and erosive wear rate on the shaped element contours. After the study results, the locations of liquid and solid particles collision with the walls of the main gas pipeline linear part shaped elements and location of the pipeline wall intensive erosive wear were identified. These results make it possible to evaluate the strength of the main gas pipeline linear part shaped elements and determine their residual life.