Evaluation of Flow Characteristics in an Oil-Water Separator Using Computational Fluid Dynamics

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Terry Potter ◽  
Tathagata Acharya
Keyword(s):  
Fluid Dynamics ◽  
Computational Fluid Dynamics ◽  
Flow Characteristics ◽  
Water Separator ◽  
Oil Water

Evaluation of Flow Characteristics in an Oil-Water Separator Using Computational Fluid Dynamics

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Terry Potter ◽  
Tathagata Acharya
Keyword(s):  
Fluid Dynamics ◽  
Computational Fluid Dynamics ◽  
Residence Time ◽  
Water Volume ◽  
Multiphase Model ◽  
Two Phase ◽  
Water Separator ◽  
Oil Water ◽  
Simulation Results ◽  
Water Cut

Abstract Multiphase separators on production platforms are among the first equipment through which well fluids flow. Based on functionality, multiphase separators can either be two-phase that separate oil from water, or three-phase that separate oil, natural gas, and water. Separator performances are often evaluated using mean residence time (MRT) of the hydrocarbon phase. MRT is defined as the amount of time a given phase stays inside the separator. On field, operators usually measure MRT as the ratio of active volume occupied by each phase to the phase volumetric flowrate. However, this method may involve significant errors as the oil-water interface height is obtained using level controllers and the volume occupied by each phase is calculated assuming the interface can be extrapolated from the weir back to the separator inlet. In this study, authors perform computational fluid dynamics (CFD) on a two-phase horizontal separator to evaluate MRT as a function of varying water volume flowrates (water-cut) in a mixture of water and oil. The authors use residence time distributions (RTD) to obtain MRT at each water-cut — a method that results in significantly more accurate results than the regular method used by operators. The numerical model is developed with commercial software package ANSYS Fluent. The code uses the Eulerian multiphase model along with the k-ε turbulence model. The simulation results show agreement with experiments performed by previous researchers. Additional simulations are performed to assess the effect of various separator internals on separator performance. Simulation results suggest that the model developed in this study can be used to predict performances of two-phase liquid-liquid separators with reasonable accuracy and will be useful towards their design to improve performances under various inlet flow conditions.

scholarly journals Analysis of a Converging, Annular, Isothermal Melt Blowing Jet Using Computational Fluid Dynamics

2005 ◽  
Vol os-14 (3) ◽  
pp. 1558925005os-14
Author(s):  
Eric M. Moore ◽  
Dimitrios V. Papavassiliou ◽  
Robert L. Shambaugh
Keyword(s):  
Fluid Dynamics ◽  
Computational Fluid Dynamics ◽  
Kinetic Energy ◽  
Near Field ◽  
Flow Characteristics ◽  
Sectional Area ◽  
Melt Blowing ◽  
Mean Velocity ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Computational Fluid Dynamics Cfd

An unconventional melt blowing die was analyzed using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). This die has an annular configuration wherein the jet inlet is tapered (the cross-sectional area decreases) as the air approaches the die face. It was found that the flow characteristics of this die are different from conventional slot and annular dies. In particular, for the tapered die the near-field normalized turbulent kinetic energy was found to be lower at shallow die angles. Also, it was found that the peak mean velocity behavior was intermediate between that of conventional annular and slot dies. The centerline turbulence profiles were found to be qualitatively similar to those of annular dies; quantitatively, higher values were present for tapered dies.

Computed tomography angiography as an adjunct to computational fluid dynamics for prediction of oxygenator thrombus formation

Perfusion ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 026765912094410
Author(s):  
Robert G Conway ◽  
Jiafeng Zhang ◽  
Jean Jeudy ◽  
Charles Evans ◽  
Tieluo Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fluid Dynamics ◽  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Computational Fluid Dynamics ◽  
Computed Tomography Angiography ◽  
Thrombus Formation ◽  
Flow Analysis ◽  
Flow Characteristics ◽  
Region Of Interest ◽  
Computational Fluid Dynamics Analysis ◽  
Clot Burden

Introduction: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation circuit performance can be compromised by oxygenator thrombosis. Stagnant blood flow in the oxygenator can increase the risk of thrombus formation. To minimize thrombogenic potential, computational fluid dynamics is frequently applied for identification of stagnant flow conditions. We investigate the use of computed tomography angiography to identify flow patterns associated with thrombus formation. Methods: A computed tomography angiography was performed on a Quadrox D oxygenator, and video densitometric parameters associated with flow stagnation were measured from the acquired videos. Computational fluid dynamics analysis of the same oxygenator was performed to establish computational fluid dynamics–based flow characteristics. Forty-one Quadrox D oxygenators were sectioned following completion of clinical use. Section images were analyzed with software to determine oxygenator clot burden. Linear regression was used to correlate clot burden to computed tomography angiography and computational fluid dynamics–based flow characteristics. Results: Clot burden from the explanted oxygenators demonstrated a well-defined pattern, with the largest clot burden at the corner opposite the blood inlet and outlet. The regression model predicted clot burden by region of interest as a function of time to first opacification on computed tomography angiography (R2 = 0.55). The explanted oxygenator clot burden map agreed well with the computed tomography angiography predicted clot burden map. The computational fluid dynamics parameter of residence time, when summed in the Z-direction, was partially predictive of clot burden (R2 = 0.35). Conclusion: In the studied oxygenator, clot burden follows a pattern consistent with clinical observations. Computed tomography angiography–based flow analysis provides a useful adjunct to computational fluid dynamics–based flow analysis in understanding oxygenator thrombus formation.

scholarly journals Modelling river history and evolution

2012 ◽  
Vol 370 (1966) ◽  
pp. 2123-2142 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. J. Coulthard ◽  
M. J. Van De Wiel
Keyword(s):  
Fluid Dynamics ◽  
Computational Fluid Dynamics ◽  
Landscape Evolution ◽  
Numerical Models ◽  
Flow Characteristics ◽  
Sedimentary Facies ◽  
Cellular Models ◽  
Depositional Processes ◽  
Alluvial Architecture ◽  
Dynamics Models

Over the last few decades, a suite of numerical models has been developed for studying river history and evolution that is almost as diverse as the subject of river history itself. A distinction can be made between landscape evolution models (LEMs), alluvial architecture models, meander models, cellular models and computational fluid dynamics models. Although these models share some similarities, there also are notable differences between them, which make them more or less suitable for simulating particular aspects of river history and evolution. LEMs embrace entire drainage basins at the price of detail; alluvial architecture models simulate sedimentary facies but oversimplify flow characteristics; and computational fluid dynamics models have to assume a fixed channel form. While all these models have helped us to predict erosion and depositional processes as well as fluvial landscape evolution, some areas of prediction are likely to remain limited and short-term owing to the often nonlinear response of fluvial systems. Nevertheless, progress in model algorithms, computing and field data capture will lead to greater integration between these approaches and thus the ability to interpret river history more comprehensively.

A Study on the Flow Characteristics of Oil-Water Separator for Marine Ship CFD

2016 ◽  
Vol 19 (4) ◽  
pp. 48-53 ◽  
Author(s):  
Byeong Jun Kim ◽  
Sung Yoon Kim ◽  
Chun Su Roh ◽  
Young Ho Lee
Keyword(s):  
Flow Characteristics ◽  
Water Separator ◽  
Oil Water
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