SOLUTIONS

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)

With the ever increasing need to enhance the commercial viability of complex industrial projects, the requirement to optimise capital expenditures on process improvements has become of paramount importance. Backed by MES’ expertise in Technical Safety, Risk Management and Asset Integrity, CFD forms part of a fully integrated package of services that can provide vital insight into industrial processes and operations, helping to make suitable decisions to boost business performance.

What is Computational Fluid Dynamics?

Blast wave propagation following vapour cloud explosion on a large offshore platform Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is a powerful numerical tool that solves complex three-dimensional problems faced by the Oil and Gas Industry, involving fluid dynamics, multiphase flow, conjugate heat transfer, combustion, radiation and any other physical processes. As a result of the continuous improvement in computer science, CFD has become an indispensable design instrument that can now meet commercial project schedules.

The best available hardware and well-established CFD software packages (such as ANSYS CFD, Star-CCM+, KFX, FLACS) are used to provide accurate and rapid design solutions.

How can CFD help your business?

Key CFD applications offered by MES include:

• Rigorous consequence modelling of major accident hazards, flare, controlled venting and exhaust;
• Flow assurance studies to ensure reliable, efficient and safe transport of produced fluids;
• Process analyses for troubleshooting and design verification.

Airflow streamlines and turbine exhausts on bridge-linked offshore facilities

Technical Safety CFD Capabilities

MES offers in depth expertise utilising CFD for consequence modelling and combining results with standard Technical Safety studies, such as QRA, EERA or F&G Mapping. Typical CFD applications include:

• Natural / forced ventilation
• Toxic / flammable gas dispersion
• Vapour / dust cloud explosion and blast wave propagation
• Probabilistic explosion exceedance analysis
• Hot plume exhaust and cold vent
• Helideck environment
• Hydrocarbon fires and smoke propagation
• Flare radiation
• Subsea plume dispersion

Process CFD Capabilities

Typical process CFD applications, generally for troubleshooting and design verification, include:

• Water hammer effects and heat exchanger burst tubes
• Flow-induced vibration
• Minimum metal design temperature
• Optimisation of internal flow units (e.g. WHRUs, incinerators...)

Flow across a valve

Flow Assurance CFD Capabilities

MES has extensive experience in multiphase flow analysis of complex and challenging hydrocarbon transport problems. Typical CFD applications include:

• Erosion / Corrosion
• Sand accumulation
• Condensation formation
• Separation and slug catcher
• Multiphase pipe flow
• Cooldown and hydrate/wax formation
• Sloshing

Oil tank sloshing due to FPSO motions

To Learn more about how MES’ CFD expertise can help you:

Contact any of our many global offices or fill in the Enquiry Form (see red tab top left). Alternatively, you can write to us at: mes.info@mes-international.com

MES - Minimising Risk, Maximising Performance