Author(s)

F. F. Farshad, H. H. Rieke, K. K. Chachare & S. G. Komaravelly

Abstract

Implementations of flow optimization in the petrochemical industry are taking on an important challenge as we move into new petrochemical technological frontiers and re-invigorated operations. Companies are looking into optimization technologies that will efficiently produce, transport, and refine products. Attention to pipe performance in the recent past relied on conventional design values such as pipe strength parameters. The introduction of a probabilistic evaluation of oil country tubular goods (OCTG) in the early 1990s has provided a more focused approach to pipe strength design. At present, pipe strength optimization is not the only most cost-effective design concern. Current piping design is more concerned with the ability of pipes to transport fluids at a substantially reduced drag. This resistance to flow is caused mainly by inherent internal surface roughness owing to pipe friction, scaling, and/or corrosion products. A significant outcome in the reduction of surface roughness in pipes can help in the reduction of drag force. Estimation of the average surface roughness for modern pipes is based on using Farshad’s new relative roughness table and chart and can be used in the computer models. In this research, computer models were used to establish the effect of surface roughness and on flow assurance. Field data was implemented in this design study. Keywords: surface roughness, flow assurance, tubular goods, pipe design, modeling. 1 Introduction The petrochemical industry has experienced rapid development and integration of important new and creative technologies. An example is the renewed emphasis on the reduction of the fluid drag resistance and corrosion in piping,

Keywords

surface roughness, flow assurance, tubular goods, pipe design, modeling.