DNV GL is launching two Computational Fluid Dynamics joint industry projects to meet the oil and gas’s need for more cost efficient and precise decision support without compromising safety.
CFD software uses numerical analysis and algorithms to assess and solve problems involving fluid flows, providing decision support for addressing, among other, fire and explosion risks.
The first JIP will develop guidelines on optimal and cost effective gas detector allocation, and the second JIP will improve explosion safety while avoiding costly over-dimensioning of topside structures, through an updated congestion factor database.
Gas detector allocation
Mapping of gas detectors is a balancing act during the design of oil and gas facilities; too few detectors increase accident risk, too many increase risk of spurious failures, with consequent production losses. Moreover, locating detectors is essential for proper coverage: the best allocation analysis and choice is often provided by CFD.
The JIP on Gas Detector Allocation aims to integrate the detailed physical description of consequence modelling by CFD simulations with process and environmental conditions. The JIP will deliver a guideline covering all relevant input parameters that impact the gas detection grid. Other useful guidelines provided by the project will also be related to the recommended gas cloud size to be detected, gas leak rates to be simulated and influence of confinement/congestion level.
U-CFD JIP
An explosion risk analysis (ERA), developed through CFD software, is very sensitive to the congestion factor and its distribution represented by the geometry model, where the congestion level reflects the final total amounts of pipes, structures and equipments.
The U-CFD JIP is inviting participants to share offshore as-built geometries. This will then be available to participants for improved congestion level data; reducing uncertainty and increasing efficiency in early phase engineering and explosion design.
The improved congestion data will differentiate the congestion level and size distribution for each type of area based on type of process module or utility unit, type of installation such as an FLNG and other floaters or fixed platforms, as well as the congestion levels in typical skids and for specific equipment packages.
The project is expected to last one year.
