Optimizing crude oil flow behavior

Abstract

Crude oil and natural gas are pivotal to Algeria's economy. Pipelines serve as important tools for safely transporting these fluids. Pipe bends play a central role in piping systems by altering fluid flow, but they are prone to issues such as corrosion and erosion from fluid flow and acceleration. Optimizing elbow designs can improve crude oil flow behavior and prevent damage to internal surfaces. This final project focuses on two primary parameters: varying bending radius and adjusting velocity. Four different geometries based on bending radius were designed and analyzed. Additionally, four different velocity values were examined. The results demonstrate that increasing the bend radius can reduce erosion and enhance fluid flow behavior. Furthermore, decreasing the velocity value reduces wall shear stress, contributing to improved pipeline performance.