Session: 6.3 - CFD for sustainable Innovations and Industry Applications

Paper Number: 158597

158597 - Hydraulic Analysis of Petroleum Flow in 90-Degree Elbows: Loss Coefficient Estimation 

Abstract: 

Oil and gas operations contribute significantly to global greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for 15% of the total, equivalent to 5.1 billion tons. With OPEC projecting an increase in oil demand to 116 MLLBD over the next two decades, reducing emissions through enhanced efficiency in hydrocarbon production and processing is imperative.

Conventional methods for estimating pressure losses in pipeline fittings, such as elbows, often rely on empirical correlations developed using water as the working fluid, leading to conservative designs. To address this limitation and contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals, this study employs computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations to investigate energy losses in 90-degree elbow fittings.

ANSYS Fluent® was used to simulate the flow of a light crude oil (API 30.7) through 90-degree elbows with varying diameters (2 to 8 inches) and a constant radius of curvature to diameter ratio of 1. The simulation model was calibrated against experimental data from I.E. Idel'chik, and the correlations were validated for water flow. Results indicated that I.E. Idel'chik's correlation underpredicts energy losses in petroleum flow by approximately 30%. Based on the CFD simulations, a new numerical correlation for estimating pressure losses in light crude oil flowing through 90-degree elbows is proposed. The findings of this study have practical implications for the design and optimization of pipeline systems, particularly in the oil and gas industry.

Presenting Author: Miguel Asuaje Universidad Metropolitana de Caracas

Presenting Author Biography: Dr. Miguel ASUAJE TOVAR is a distinguished Full Professor in Energy Conversion. He was born on November 1, 1974, in Caracas. Dr. ASUAJE TOVAR earned his BSc in Mechanical Engineering in 1997 and MSc in 1999, both from the prestigious Universidad Simon Bolivar. He furthered his academic pursuits at the Ecole Nationale Supérieure d’Arts et Métiers in France, where he obtained his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering and Energy Conversion in 2003. Dr. ASUAJE TOVAR also completed a post-Doctorate in the same field in 2004.
Throughout his illustrious career, Dr. ASUAJE TOVAR has held various academic positions, primarily at the Universidad Simon Bolívar in the Energy Conversion Department. He has also served as a professor and associate researcher at esteemed institutions such as Universidad Nacional Experimental Politécnica “Antonio José de Sucre,” NTNU (Norwegian University of Science and Technology) in Norway, Ecole Nationale Supérieure d’Arts et Métiers in France, and the Universidad de los Andes (UNIANDES) in Colombia.
In addition to his academic achievements, Dr. ASUAJE TOVAR has contributed as a consultant to prestigious firms and institutions, specializing in oil, gas, and energy projects. He has collaborated with renowned international companies including Weatherford, Pacific Rubiales Energy, PDVSA, Corpoelec - Hydraulic Power Plants, HarvestVincler/Petrodelta, YPergas, Petrobras, Eni, Statoil, among others.
Until 2023, Dr. ASUAJE TOVAR has been actively involved in the industrial side of the Oil & Gas industry, serving as the New Technology Director for Frontera Energy E&P in Colombia.
Dr. ASUAJE TOVAR's dedication extends beyond academia and industry. He consistently contributes to undergraduate and postgraduate courses, conferences, and industry training programs. His areas of expertise encompass Energy Conversion, Hydroelectric Power Stations, Hydraulic Turbines, Oil and Gas Production, Optimization of Oil and Gas Fields, Multiphase Flow, and Applied CFD.
Dr. ASUAJE TOVAR has an impressive publication record with over 80 publications in international journals and conferences, all of which have made a significant impact in the industrial and technological spheres.