Computational Fluid Dynamics Heat Transfer Modelling of Pressure Vessels under Fire for Accurate Pressure Safety Valve Sizing in the Oil and Gas Industry
Authors
Zan Nieto, Marcos ; Borroni, Filippo
Term
4. term
Education
Publication year
2018
Submitted on
2018-06-07
Pages
123
Abstract
This thesis investigates the use of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to model heat transfer to pressure vessels exposed to fire, aiming to enable more accurate sizing of pressure safety valves (PSVs) in the oil and gas industry. The work comprises two parts: (1) a transient thermo-mechanical response analysis to assess the adequacy and limits of API 521 for gas-filled vessels in fire, with the goal of predicting rupture times and identifying conditions where a PSV improves survivability; and (2) development of a CFD-based model of a vessel engulfed by a pool fire to compute shell heat fluxes and internal convection, which are then used as inputs for dynamic depressurization and PSV sizing. Results are compared with the conventional Stefan–Boltzmann fire approach implemented in process simulation (Aspen HYSYS) to evaluate potential advantages of the CFD method. The thesis consolidates the necessary background, outlines the modelling workflow, discusses the simulated scenarios, and proposes improvements for future work. Specific quantitative findings are not detailed in this excerpt.
Dette speciale undersøger, om Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) kan anvendes til at beskrive varmeoverførsel til trykbeholdere under brand, så trykaflastningsventiler (PSV’er) kan dimensioneres mere præcist i olie- og gasindustrien. Arbejdet er todelt: (1) en transiente termo-mekanisk responsanalyse, der vurderer anvendeligheden og begrænsningerne i API 521 for gasfyldte beholdere i brand med henblik på at forudsige rupturtider og identificere, hvornår en PSV øger overlevelsesevnen, og (2) udvikling af en CFD-baseret model af en beholder i poolbrand for at beregne varmeflux til beholderskallen og konvektionsforhold i inventaret og bruge disse som input til dynamisk trykaflastning og PSV-dimensionering. Resultaterne sammenlignes med den konventionelle Stefan–Boltzmann-brandtilgang i processimulering (Aspen HYSYS) for at vurdere potentielle fordele ved CFD-metoden. Specialet samler nødvendig baggrund, beskriver den anvendte modelleringskæde, diskuterer de simulerede scenarier og foreslår forbedringer for fremtidigt arbejde. Kvantitative resultater er ikke detaljeret i dette uddrag.
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