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CFD Capabilities

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is a mathematical tool capable of simulating a wide range of fluid flows. Integrated CFD software has been applied to study the flows in two- and three-phase oilfield separators. The influence of inlet nozzle configuration, flow distributors, perforated plates, and outlet nozzles have been studied

Why use CFD ?

  • • Increase reliability of equipment
  • Reduce costs
  • Increase efficiency of equipment
  • Increasing understanding of equipment and systems

The application of CFD to solving oilfield related problems can be of value in new product development, vessel design optimization, determining sources of underperformance for existing or proposed vessels, and for evaluating the projected.

performance improvement when retrofits are installed to upgrade existing process equipment . CFD provides the means to visualize fluid flows within a separator as well as an ability to track the movement of gas/liquid and liquid/liquid interfaces. In newer versions of CFD software, gas bubbles, oil droplets, and solid particles can be tracked through a separator using advanced multiphase models. This permits one to incorporate performance enhancement into the design of a vessel without the need for extensive testing in physical models.

 

Validation of simulated results is recommended when possible, however, to insure that the CFD simulations are in fact providing reasonable predictions.