Modeling Solid Particle Erosion in Elbows and Plugged Tees

Predicted erosion patterns on the surface of a pipe fitting can now be obtained using a technique implemented into a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code. This comprehensive erosion prediction procedure consists of 1) generation of a flow field simulation, 2) computation of a large number of particle trajectories inside the flow field, and 3) erosion model equations applied as particles impinge the walls of the geometry. Other quantities related to erosion, namely the particle deposition rate as well as local average impingement angle and velocity components, are also stored in the procedure. All predicted quantities (flow solution, particle trajectories, and erosion profiles) are analyzed using a three-dimensional visualization tool that was also developed. The current work focuses on two pipe fittings commonly used in the oil and gas production industry: elbows and plugged tees. First, the flow field and erosion predictions are evaluated through comparisons with experimental data. Erosion predictions yield trends and locations of maximum wear that are consistent with experimental observations. Next, two 90-deg pipe elbows with centerline curvature-to-diameter ratios of 1.5 and 5.0 are analyzed under prescribed erosive conditions. Predicted erosion results are presented in the form of surface contours. Finally, a simulated plugged tee geometry placed under erosive conditions is studied and erosion rates are compared to that of the two elbow test cases.