A Computational Approach to Assessing Pipeline Integrity under Gas Flow Erosion

• Author(s): Mahmood Sabo Muhammad ; Usman Hassan ; Kabir Garba ; U. M Adam
• Paper ID: 1710348
• Page: 1100-1107
• Published Date: 01-09-2025
• Published In: Iconic Research And Engineering Journals
• Publisher: IRE Journals
• e-ISSN: 2456-8880
• Volume/Issue: Volume 9 Issue 2 August-2025

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/m³, viscosity of 1.12 × 10?? kg/m·s, and molecular weight of 19.71 kg/kmol. Sand particles (50–300 µm, 2650 kg/m³) 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/m². 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

Citations

IRE Journals:
Mahmood Sabo Muhammad , Usman Hassan , Kabir Garba , U. M Adam "A Computational Approach to Assessing Pipeline Integrity under Gas Flow Erosion" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 9 Issue 2 2025 Page 1100-1107

IEEE:
Mahmood Sabo Muhammad , Usman Hassan , Kabir Garba , U. M Adam "A Computational Approach to Assessing Pipeline Integrity under Gas Flow Erosion" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 9(2)