Alessandro Terenzi

Development and validation of a model for the simulation of the air drying phenomena in pipelines

The main aim of this research work consists in the development and validation of a model, based on a numerical method, and its relevant simulation software, to solve the differential equations governing the drying process of gas pipelines. The knowledge of this phenomenon represents the key factor for performing effective pre-commissioning activities in petrochemical industry; in order to avoid hydrate formation and pipe corrosion, it is in fact necessary to achieve an effective removal of all water prior the introduction of hydrocarbon gas. This is normally achieved by performing a bulk dewatering operation, followed by a drying operation which efficiency is dependent on the air flow rate, air pressure and temperature. In this paper, the model implemented in a finite volume-based simulation software, as well as the considerations that have been made for its development, is presented. Its predictions are compared with available air drying field data of two existing gas pipeline systems.

Modelling the pressurization induced by solar radiation on above ground installations of LPG pipeline systems

Pipelining Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) is a mode of LPG transportation more environmentally-friendly than others due to the lower energy consumption and exhaust emissions. Worldwide, there are over 20000 kilometers of LPG pipelines. There are a number of codes that industry follows for the design, fabrication, construction and operation of liquid LPG pipelines. However, no standards exist to modelling particular critical phenomena which can occur on these lines due to external environmental conditions like the solar radiation pressurization. In fact, the solar radiation can expose above ground pipeline sections at pressure values above the maximum Design Pressure with resulting risks and problems. The present work presents an innovative practice suitable for the Oil & Gas industry to modelling the pressurization induced by the solar radiation on above ground LPG pipeline sections with the application to a real case.