Oil & Gas industry

Numerical simulation for the Oil & Gas industry

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) also plays a key role in the oil and gas industry, helping to optimize operations, reduce costs and improve safety. It enables in-depth analysis of complex fluid flows, heat exchanges and multiphase phenomena, all of which are essential for the efficient management of hydrocarbon extraction, transport and processing systems. OptiFluides has a long history of working with the oil industry, thanks to the IFP experience of its founder and managing director, Nicolas Boisson.

Here are some of the key CFD applications in this field.

Multiphase flow simulation in pipelines

• Gas-liquid flows in pipelines: Multiphase flows in pipelines, common in crude oil transport, pose many challenges, such as the risk of plugging and phase separation. CFD can be used to simulate these complex flows to optimize pipeline design and improve transport efficiency.
• Preventing erosion in pipelines: CFD modeling helps identify areas at risk of corrosion or erosion in pipelines, caused by the interaction between fluids and the pipe wall. Corrective solutions, such as adjusting flow rates or revamping systems, can then be proposed to extend the service life of the infrastructure.
• Analysis of vortex-induced vibrations: instabilities generating periodic VIV-type pressure fluctuations can occur in pipelines, particularly at elbows or fittings. When the frequency of these fluctuations is identical to the structure’s natural frequency, vibrations occur, which can lead to major damage. Simulation can help predict and eliminate these phenomena.

Offshore rigs

• Optimization of subsea production systems: CFD is used to model flows in risers and blowout preventers (BOPs), to ensure optimum flow control during extraction phases. This reduces the risk of leakage and stabilizes flows in the harsh environments in which these devices are used.
• Simulation of real-life meteorological conditions: offshore rigs are installed in highly demanding environments. In order to guarantee the correct dimensioning of the structure, CFD simulation is used to determine wind and swell loads, and to verify its resistance. Vibration loads generated by wind or water can also be quantified.

Simulation of leaks and accident scenarios

• Modeling gas discharges: By simulating gas or hydrocarbon leak scenarios in the atmosphere or under water, and the dispersion of fluids and their environmental impact, it becomes possible to define containment and response strategies in the event of an incident. In particular, OptiFluides simulates flash-gas phenomenon, which occur when a liquefied gas pipe ruptures, in order to correctly quantify leakage rates.
• Simulation of explosions and industrial hazards: CFD is also used to model gas explosions and major accident scenarios. In particular, OptiFluides is working on simulating the impact of flaming jets on hydrocarbon storage spheres.

Energy management

• Carbon capture and storage technologies: To be effective, CO2 capture technologies need to be installed as close as possible to the source. CFD simulation can be used to model these systems, determine their efficiency and propose improvements to limit the carbon footprint during the hydrocarbon extraction and production phases.
• Heat exchanger optimization: Heat exchangers are essential to the refining and processing of natural gas. As with all industrial equipment, CFD simulation can be used to optimize heat transfer inside these devices, improving their efficiency and reducing areas of overheating or overpressure, or improving flow balancing.

Conclusion

Whether for operations or structures, in the Oil and Gas sector, CFD helps to improve yields and safety, while reducing risks.

Contact us to discuss your project and find out how we can help you innovate, improve and secure your processes, structures and products.