Fracture propagation control in CO2 pipelines: Validation of a coupled fluid–structure model. (15th September 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Aursand, E.; Dumoulin, S.; Hammer, M.; Lange, H.I.; Morin, A.; Munkejord, S.T.; Nordhagen, H.O.
• Is Part Of: Engineering structures. Volume 123(2016:Sep. 15)
• Page Start: 192
• Page End: 212
• Publication Date: 2016-09-15
• Subjects: Carbon dioxide -- Finite-element method (FEM) -- Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) -- Fluid–structure -- Running-ductile fracture -- Pipeline; Structural engineering -- Periodicals; Structural analysis (Engineering) -- Periodicals; Construction, Technique de la -- Périodiques; Génie parasismique -- Périodiques; Pression du vent -- Périodiques; Earthquake engineering; Structural engineering; Wind-pressure; Periodicals; 624.105
• DOI: 10.1016/j.engstruct.2016.05.012
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0141-0296

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Highlights: We model running-ductile fracture in CO2 -transport pipes using computational methods. The fluid and structure models are physically based and fully coupled. Good agreement is found with two medium-scale crack-arrest experiments with CO2 . The pressure load on a CO2 pipe is more severe than on a natural-gas pipe. This may be a reason why two-curve methods do not work for dense-phase CO2 . Abstract: Existing engineering methods to ensure fracture propagation control in natural-gas transmission pipelines have been shown to be non-applicable when dense-phase CO 2 is transported. To overcome this, a coupled fluid–structure interaction model has been developed. It consists of a homogeneous equilibrium flow model, coupled with the Span–Wagner equation of state and including solid-phase formation, and a finite-element model of the pipe taking into account large deformations and fracture propagation through a local fracture criterion. Model predictions are compared with data from two medium-scale crack-arrest experiments with dense-phase CO 2 . Good agreement is observed in fracture length, fracture-propagation velocity and pressure. Simulations show that, compared to natural-gas pipelines, the pressure level at the opening fracture flaps is sustained at a much higher level and at a much longer distance behind the moving fracture tip. This may be one important reason why the existing engineering methods do not work for dense-phase CO 2 .