Three-dimensional finite element analysis of turbulent crude oil flow and solid particle deposition patterns in circular curved pipelines
Mébirika Benyamine,
Naïma Fezzioui,
Zahira Tehirichi,
Mohammed Ayad Alkhafaji,
Gilbert Chambashi,
Noureddine Kaid,
Younes Menni
Affiliations
Mébirika Benyamine
Mechanical Engineering Department, Laboratory of Reliability of Materials and Structures in the South-FIMAS, Faculty of Technology, Tahri Mohamed University, Bechar, Algeria
Naïma Fezzioui
Civil Engineering and Hydraulics Department, Laboratory Mechanics of Structures L.M.S., Faculty of Technology, Tahri Mohamed University, Bechar, Algeria
Zahira Tehirichi
Laboratory of Mechanics, Modeling and Experimentation L2ME, Faculty of Technology, Tahri Mohamed University, Bechar, Algeria
Mohammed Ayad Alkhafaji
College of Technical Engineering, National University of Science and Technology, Dhi Qar 64001, Iraq
Gilbert Chambashi
School of Business Studies, Unicaf University, Longacres, Lusaka, Zambia
Noureddine Kaid
Energy and Environment Laboratory, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Institute of Technology, University Center Salhi Ahmed Naama (University Centre of Naama), P.O. Box 66, Naama 45000, Algeria
Younes Menni
Energy and Environment Laboratory, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Institute of Technology, University Center Salhi Ahmed Naama (University Centre of Naama), P.O. Box 66, Naama 45000, Algeria
This study presents a numerical investigation of turbulent crude oil flows in circular curved pipelines, with a focus on the deposition patterns of solid particles within the fluid. Simulations were conducted using the Reynolds–Averaged Navier–Stokes equations coupled with the k–ε turbulence model to examine the influence of structural characteristics, such as bend curvature angle and bend curvature radius, on flow dynamics and particle deposition. The results reveal that the complex flow patterns generated by these geometric features significantly affect pressure gradients and particle trajectories. Specifically, the study shows that turbulent flows within bends exhibit intricate behaviors, with deposition patterns being strongly influenced by the pipeline’s geometric parameters. Sand particles, commonly present in petroleum flows, are found to be more effectively transported in pipes with larger curvature angles, while they exhibit a higher propensity to settle at smaller curvature angles and larger bend curvature radii. Furthermore, the simulations indicate that the majority of deposited particles accumulate on the inner wall immediately downstream of the elbow entrance.
