Engineering Projects
Case studies and project highlights from our consulting work.
Application of CFD to Assess and Optimize Liquid Mixing in Large Storage Vessels
Within Europoort Rotterdam, a tankpit of 37m diameter and 21m height was intended to be repurposed for storing a blend of Naphtha and Reformate. Reformate, a product of Naphtha, shares similar chemical properties, with both fluids being miscible (they mix well together). Dynaflow Research Group performed a CFD analysis on
Analysis of Large Dissimilar Bolted Flanges
For a coil-wound liquified natural gas (LNG) heat exchanger, an existing 66” and new 72” bolted flange joint have been analysed and reviewed for mechanical loading and multiple thermal load cases in accordance to the 2013 edition of ASME VIII Div.1 and Div.2 by Dynaflow Research Group (DRG) using ANSYS
Managing Surge and Stress in Firewater System Extensions for LNG Terminals
Dynaflow Research Group (DRG) has performed a stress and surge analysis using BOSfluids at Rotterdam Maasvlakte on an extension to their firewater system to accommodate the loading of LNG onto ships and barges at the jetty area. The extension of the firewater system consisted of an underground glass-reinforced epoxy (GRE)
Pipe Stress Analysis for a Firewater GRE system
An existing fiberglass firewater piping system was expanded to enhance its capacity, necessitating validation for the newly added components. The client, engaged in the RDCG Rotterdam capacity growth project, specializes in producing renewable fuels through the chemical conversion of vegetable and animal oils. The firewater system at this facility is
Mixing Flow, Surge and Pipe Stress Analysis
Our client was looking to repurpose a liquid transport and storage system for a different fuel. The new fuel blend has a larger viscosity and density. Heat tracing is applied to the pipe line to reduce the liquid viscosity during transport. The new fuel is pumped into a storage tank,
Multiphase CFD Study of Separation Tank
Our client reported multiple cracks at weld locations on a separation tank. These cracks are suspected to be caused by dynamic flow effects from the mixed inflow of acid gas and liquid. To address this issue, the client requested a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis to quantify the forces exerted
Multiphase Flow & Vibration Analysis of PSV Discharge
A client approached Dynaflow with concerns about potential dynamic loads on their piping system during the activation of a Pressure Safety Valve (PSV) protecting a degasser. During PSV opening, both gas and liquid (methane and water) are discharged together, creating complex flow conditions that could lead to transient forces and
Pulsation Study and Mechanical Response Analysis for EVO-42 Compressor Package
The EVO-42 compressor package, featuring a screw compressor, oil separator, motor, dampener, and associated piping, was subject to a comprehensive evaluation by Dynaflow Research Group. This study aimed to assess its mechanical and acoustic performance under operating conditions, following the guidelines set out in API 619 and ASME VIII Div.
Pulsation and Vibration Analysis of Compressor System
A client operates a reciprocating compressor at their terminal facilities, which is integral to their gas processing operations. During routine operations, excessive vibrations were observed within the system, raising concerns regarding equipment reliability, safety, and compliance with relevant industry standards. The compressor system in question features a 6-cylinder design with
API 618 DA3 Pulsation and Vibration Study for Compressor
The Tesoro Salt Lake City Refinery initiated a project to reduce the sulfur content in its products, necessitating modifications to the piping system on the discharge side of compressors K-701A/B. These changes prompted concerns about excessive pulsations and vibration-induced stresses, particularly as no previous pulsation study had been conducted. The
Flow-Induced Vibration Analysis in Heat Exchanger Tube Bundles
Heat exchangers are essential in industrial applications for transferring heat between fluids. However, they are susceptible to multiple mechanical failures, being one of them flow-induced vibrations (FIV). This case study examines a specific incident where a heat exchanger experienced multiple failures at the welded connections of tube bundles to the
CFD and FEA Analysis of a High-Temperature Tee in Chemical Processing
In the chemical processing industry, equipment integrity under extreme conditions is paramount for safety and efficiency. This case study examines the thermal and mechanical analysis of a 2” equal tee subjected to high-temperature fluidized catalyst streams. The project’s objective was to assess the tee’s integrity where a 690°C catalyst stream
Vibration Analysis of Ultra-High-Pressure Pipework in Offshore Platform Design
The offshore oil and gas industry encounters distinctive challenges in managing high-pressure piping systems, where the repercussions of failure can be dire. Therefore, ensuring the structural integrity of these piping systems is paramount. This case study examines a critical investigation conducted during the Detailed Design Phase of an Offshore Topside
Asset Integrity Review of Fiberglass Piping in Cooling Water Network
A petrochemical facility has been experiencing recurring failures in its fiberglass piping Cooling Water (CW) network. With seven failures reported up to 2014 and a recent failure in November 2023, the integrity of the system has come under scrutiny. As the fiberglass piping approaches its 20-year design lifetime, a comprehensive
Surge Analysis of a Fiberglass Gas Pipeline
A fiberglass gas pipeline is being implemented to supply gas from a compressor station to a delivery point. As the pipeline approaches completion, ensuring its operational safety and integrity is paramount. This case study examines the surge analysis conducted on the buried portion of the pipeline to identify potential vulnerabilities
Design Review of Cooling Water Systems for Ammonia Plant
An ammonia plant in Australia has experienced recurring failures in its cooling water systems since its commissioning in the mid-2000s. The plant utilizes two primary cooling systems: a Sea Cooling Water (SCW) system and a Fresh Cooling Water (FCW) system. The SCW system, with a high capacity, consists of multiple
Fatigue Analysis of Industrial Pressure Vessel
This case study examines the structural integrity of an industrial pressure vessel subjected to cyclic thermal and pressure loading. In processes where such vessels experience significant temperature and pressure fluctuations, ensuring the longevity and safety of these critical components is paramount. The primary objective of this study is to assess
Thermal Stress Analysis of Air Cooler Heat Exchanger Header Box
This case study examines the structural integrity of header boxes in an industrial air cooler heat exchanger subjected to cyclic thermal loading and static pressure. In processes where heat exchangers experience significant temperature fluctuations, ensuring the longevity and safety of critical components is paramount. The primary objective of this study
Pulsation and Vibration Analysis of FPSO Compressor System
Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) units play a crucial role in offshore oil and gas production. A critical component of these systems is the compressor skid, which compresses natural gas for processing or export. This case study focuses on the pulsation and vibration analysis of a three-stage reciprocating compressor
Pulsation Analysis and Optimization of a Compressor System
This case study examines a reciprocating compressor system operated by a leading energy company, used for compressing natural gas. The system consists of three identical compressor units, each with two stages (suction and discharge pulsation suppression devices and connected piping), supplying gas to a common header. This system had been
Mitigating Water Hammer Effects in Jetty Fire Protection Systems
This case study examines the cooling water and foam systems located in two jetties (Jetty A and Jetty B) of a major industrial facility. These systems, critical for fire protection, have experienced significant issues related to water hammer effects and structural integrity. The primary objectives of this study are to