Flow Assurance Studies by Process Simulation
Flow assurance is the analysis of thermal, hydraulic, and production chemistry issues during the flow of fluids through pipelines and processes in the oil and gas industry. These issues arise during the design, operation, and maintenance of gas/oil supply systems, which are often in deep water or challenging environments.
The study encompasses the hydrodynamic and fluid behaviour of pipeline transportation systems. As fluids move from wells to production facilities through pipelines, they encounter various conditions. Understanding the fluid properties and operating conditions is crucial for detecting potential formation and deposition of undesired solids, including inorganic scale, wax, hydrates, corrosion, sand transport, emulsions, slug, and surge. Detecting these possibilities is the initial step in planning mitigation measures to prevent solid formation and deposition in transportation pipelines.
Flow assurance studies by process simulation employ a cost-effective approach to produce and transport fluids from reservoirs to processing facilities. Understanding the multiphase flow behaviour, which involves complex flow patterns in two- and three-phase flows, as well as the intricate phase behaviour of oil, gas, and water, is crucial. This understanding helps determine how mixtures behave when following different flow regimes.
The results obtained from flow assurance studies are crucial for maintaining uninterrupted flow in multi-phase fluids (including oil, gas, water, and other components) across the entire pipeline network in the upstream, midstream, and downstream sectors of the oil and gas industry. These studies typically offer detailed mitigation measures to manage the risk associated with the formation and deposition of solid elements within the system’s pipelines, utilising specialised flow assurance simulation software.
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