A Computational Approach to Assessing Pipeline Integrity under Gas Flow Erosion

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@article{1710348,
      author = {Mahmood Sabo Muhammad, Usman Hassan, Kabir Garba, U. M Adam},
      title = {A Computational Approach to Assessing Pipeline Integrity under Gas Flow Erosion},
      journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
      year = {2025},
      volume = {9},
      number = {2},
      pages = {1100-1107},
      issn = {2456-8880},
      url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1710348.pdf},
      abstract = {This research presents a computational investigation of pipeline erosion under dry gas flow using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). The pipeline geometry, developed in SolidWorks and simulated in ANSYS Fluent, incorporated ASTM A106 Grade B steel with bends and elbows to reflect field conditions. Gas was modelled with a density of 0.75 kg/m?, viscosity of 1.12 ? 10?? kg/m?s, and molecular weight of 19.71 kg/kmol. Sand particles (50?300 ?m, 2650 kg/m?) were introduced at concentrations of 0.01?0.10%. Three flow scenarios were tested: 7.18 m/s (minimum), 14.35 m/s (baseline), and 21.52 m/s (maximum). Results showed the highest erosion at outer elbow bends, with peak rates increasing from 2.2 ? 10?? to 1.25 ? 10?? kg/m?. Sensitivity analysis identified bends as critical erosion zones, while straight sections remained stable. Mitigation measures such as thicker bend walls, optimized flow conditions, and sand monitoring are recommended. A safer operating velocity of 12.0 m/s is proposed.},
      keywords = {Erosion, Pipeline, Simulation, Gas-flow},
      month = {August},
  }