Author(s): Gabriel Soto-Cortes; Dario Guaycochea-Guglielmi
Linked Author(s):
Keywords: Oil pipelines; Head losses; Dynamic effects; Waterhammer
Abstract: The Nuevo Teapa-Venta de Carpio oil pipeline in Mexico registers head losses which cannot be predicted by conventional formulas, or attributed to pipe age or inlay deposits. An analysis, based on field measurements and supported on experimental and numerical concepts, using internal flows criteria and optimization numerical fitting procedures, shows that the friction factor is significantly influenced by dynamic effects. The underestimation of the friction coefficient originates in turn an underestimation of the service pressure in the line. The transients theory is applied to investigate an accident recently registered between two pumping stations in the mentioned oil line. A model, supplied with field data, was used to simulate this phenomenon. A comparison is made considering two hypotheses: 1) friction factor calculated following conventional formulas (Coolebrook and White) and 2) friction factor calibrated considering dynamic effects. The results show that high steady flow pressure combined with the overpressure due to the transient, approaches the pipe breaking point in certain sections. Although the case study refers to oil transportation, similar works were performed for aqueducts, as some references show.
Year: 2005