Offshore pipeline leak modeling using a computational fluid dynamics approach

Abstract

Pipelines laid over long distances in the harsh offshore environment may be affected by excessive straining, corrosion, scouring, iceberg and other third-party damages. Small chronic leaks may cause severe safety and environmental effects if left undetected for a long time. A CFD model of a subsea leaking pipeline is developed to predict the pressure and temperature profiles around the pipe’s leak surroundings. The developed CFD model is used to study a pipeline section with a leak on the top. It considers the fluid inside the pipeline as well as the fluid surrounding the pipeline and does a combined simulation of the system. In addition, a hydrodynamic model is used to evaluate the parameters of a full-scale 150 km long-distance pipeline. This hydrodynamic model is developed to find the most critical section of the proposed long pipeline system. Furthermore, the hydrodynamic model provides the boundary conditions for the CFD model. The developed model was used to perform parametric studies to understand the impact of leaks on the surrounding water. The present study will help pipeline operators to select the most appropriate leak detection technology with the right specifications for the pipeline systems; especially to optimize Fiber Optic Cable (FOC) based Distributed Temperature Sensing (DTS) Solutions.