Offshore pipeline leak modeling using a computational fluid dynamics approach

Yousef, Yousef Abdulhafed (2018) Offshore pipeline leak modeling using a computational fluid dynamics approach. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

[img] [English] PDF - Accepted Version
Available under License - The author retains copyright ownership and moral rights in this thesis. Neither the thesis nor substantial extracts from it may be printed or otherwise reproduced without the author's permission.

Download (2MB)

Abstract

Pipelines laid over long distances in the harsh offshore environment may be affected by excessive straining, corrosion, scouring, iceberg and other third-party damages. Small chronic leaks may cause severe safety and environmental effects if left undetected for a long time. A CFD model of a subsea leaking pipeline is developed to predict the pressure and temperature profiles around the pipe’s leak surroundings. The developed CFD model is used to study a pipeline section with a leak on the top. It considers the fluid inside the pipeline as well as the fluid surrounding the pipeline and does a combined simulation of the system. In addition, a hydrodynamic model is used to evaluate the parameters of a full-scale 150 km long-distance pipeline. This hydrodynamic model is developed to find the most critical section of the proposed long pipeline system. Furthermore, the hydrodynamic model provides the boundary conditions for the CFD model. The developed model was used to perform parametric studies to understand the impact of leaks on the surrounding water. The present study will help pipeline operators to select the most appropriate leak detection technology with the right specifications for the pipeline systems; especially to optimize Fiber Optic Cable (FOC) based Distributed Temperature Sensing (DTS) Solutions.

Item Type: Thesis (Masters)
URI: http://research.library.mun.ca/id/eprint/13506
Item ID: 13506
Additional Information: Includes bibliographical references (pages 76-83).
Keywords: Computational Fluid Dynamics, Leak Detection System, Temperature Distributed Sensing, Fiber Optic Cable, Pressure Profile and Temperature Profile
Department(s): Engineering and Applied Science, Faculty of
Date: October 2018
Date Type: Submission
Library of Congress Subject Heading: Pipeline failures--Computer simulation; Underwater pipelines--Computer simulation; Underwater pipelines--Hydrodynamics; Leak detectors

Actions (login required)

View Item View Item

Downloads

Downloads per month over the past year

View more statistics