Towards a thorough Validation of Simulation Tools for CO2 Pipeline Transport

Abstract

In this work the Schlumberger flow assurance tool OLGA and SINTEF Energy Research in-house CFD tool are assessed for their ability to describe depressurization behaviour of CO2 pipelines. For this purpose, three full-bore experimental depressurization tests with pure CO2 have been performed at the Statoil's R&D center in Trondheim, Norway. Simulations results are in general agreement with the experiments with the exception of the behaviour at the innermost position of the where OLGA predicts significantly lower temperatures, and SINTEF tool over-estimate the temperature. Both models predict liquid dry-out time with an error of a few seconds. The simulation results are sensitive to the pipe outer heat transfer coefficient, used between the pipe surface and the ambient humid air. Reduction of the uncertainty in the heat-flux to the pipe is identified as a key factor for further validation.