slug flow – What Is Piping: All about Piping Engineering

The basics of slug flow, Calculation os Slug forces, and static analysis methodology in Caesar II are provided in my last article titled "Static Analysis of Slug Flow". Click here to read the same. In this article, We will explain the methods for performing the slug flow analysis using the Dynamic Spectrum Method of Caesar II Software. Reason for Dynamic Slug Flow Analysis of Piping System? The system responses are very much different with respect to dynamic slug loads as compared to a static load of the same magnitude. As static load is applied slowly, the piping system gets enough time to internally distribute the loads and react, resolving the forces and moments and keeping the system in equilibrium. Hence, the pipe movement is not visible. On the other hand, a dynamic slug load quickly varies with respect to time and hence the piping system does not get sufficient time to distribute and resolve the forces. This results in an unbalanced slug force that leads to pipe movement. So its always preferable to perform dynamic analysis when dynamic loads are involved to get real analysis results. Dynamic Slug Flow Module of Caesar II For performing dynamic slug flow analysis, Caesar II software provides a very nice module, dynamic analysis module where we have to simply provide the input parameters to get the output result. In the following paragraphs, we will learn the steps for performing Dynamic Slug Flow using Water Hammer/ Slug Flow (Spectrum) method. Before you start the dynamic slug flow analysis you have to perform conventional static analysis of the system (without using any slug force) and qualify the system from all stress criteria (Thermal, Sustained, Occasional, as applicable). To open the dynamic module in Caesar II click on the dynamic analysis button as shown in Fig.1. Fig. 1: Opening the Dynamic Module in Caesar II When you click on the dynamic analysis button following window (Fig.2) will open. Select Slug Flow (Spectrum) from the drop-down menu. The window will be filled with some pre-existing data. For clarity simply select all those and delete. Now we have to provide inputs for analysis. Fig. 2: Selecting Slug Flow Module in Caesar II During dynamic slug flow analysis, our first input will be the generation of spectrum profile. Slug load is one type of impulse load. So the magnitude of the load varies from zero to some maximum value, remains constant for a time, and then reduces to zero again. The force profile can be represented by a curve as shown in Fig. 3. Fig. 3: Graphical Representation of Slug Force Profile So from the above profile, it is clear that in addition to the slug force (Refer Static method of Slug Flow using Caesar II for calculation of slug force), we need to calculate two additional parameters, a) Slug Duration and b) Slug Periodicity. Slug Duration Slug duration is defined as the time required for the slug to cross the elbow. Mathematically it can be denoted as, Slug Duration=Length of Liquid Slug/Velocity of Flow. Slug Periodicity Slug Periodicity can be defined as the time interval for two consecutive slugs hitting the same elbow. So mathematically it can be denoted as Slug Periodicity = (Length of Liquid Slug + Length of Gas Slug)/Velocity of Flow. Generating Spectrum Profile for Slug Flow Let’s assume that the calculated slug duration is 8 milliseconds and periodicity is 400 milliseconds as shown in Fig. 3. We will use these data for the generation of spectrum profiles. Now Refer Fig. 4 and input the data as mentioned below: Fig.4: Generation of Spectrum Profile for Slug flow Analysis When you click on Enter Pulse data it will open the window where we have to enter the data for spectrum profile generation. From the above curve at time 0 the force is 2120 N the same force will be active for the next 8 milliseconds till the slug crosses the elbow. Then at time 8.1 forces will be reduced to zero. And the same zero force will be there till 400 milliseconds. Then the next cycle will start. i.e, at time 400.1 seconds the force will be again 2120 N. That way enter data for at least two cycles as shown in Fig. 5: Fig.5: Typical Spectrum Profile for Slug flow Analysis Clicking Save / Continue button will convert the time history into its equivalent force response spectrum in terms of Dynamic Load Factor versus Frequency and the screen “Spectrum Table Values “as shown in Fig. 5 will appear. Be sure to specify a unique spectrum name, as this processor will overwrite any existing files of the same name. By clicking OK, the processor will load the appropriate data in the Spectrum Definitions tab in Dynamic Input and move the data to the dynamic input Once the spectrum profile is generated click on force sets button and enter the slug force with proper direction in the fields as shown in Fig. 6: Fig.6: Entering slug forces for dynamic slug flow analysis. Click on the + button to add more rows and – buttons to delete rows.In force set field input a numeric id which will be used to construct dynamic load cases. Creating Dynamic Slug Flow Load Cases for Analysis After that, click on the Spectrum load cases menu and create the required load cases for dynamic analysis. You have to specify at least two load cases as shown. Operating + Dynamic for nozzle and support load checking.Sustained + Dynamic for stress checking. Refer to Fig. 7 for load case preparation Fig. 7: Load Case preparation for dynamic slug flow analysis Finally, click on the control parameters button and select the load case for which you want to perform the analysis. Normally operating load case is selected (Refer Fig. 8) for dynamic analysis. Keep all other parameters as it is. Now click on batch run to obtain the analysis results. Fig 9 shows typical analysis results. Fig.8: Selecting the load case for slug flow analysis Output Results from Dynamic Slug Flow Analysis Fig. 9: Typical Dynamic Slug Flow Output Reports This figure (Fig. 9) shows a typical output screen for dynamic slug flow analysis.The highlighted node 10 is for the nozzle.All support and nozzle loads to be checked.Stresses to be kept below code allowable values.The highlighted direction sign will show other load case combinations. Few Important Points to Consider Vibration due to any two-phase flow can be reduced/arrested by proper support of the piping system. Normally following supports are used: HOLD DOWN SUPPORTS WITH 0 GAPGUIDE SUPPORTS WITH 0 GAPAXIAL STOPS WITH 0 GAP Whenever modifying any support perform static analysis and keep the system stresses within the allowable limit. Sometimes Vibration Absorbing Material (like PTFE) is used to reduce the transfer of vibration to connected systems.It is preferred to keep the natural frequency of the piping system above 4 Hz for Vibration prone lines.The formation of Slug Flow can be reduced byBy reducing line sizes to a minimum permitted by available pressure differentials.By using a low point effluent drain or bypass.By arranging the pipe configurations to protect against slug flow. E.g. in a pocketed line where liquid can collect, slug flow might develop. Hence pocket is to be avoided. Few handpicked useful resources for you…Static Analysis of Slug flowHow to Model Slug Flow LoadsAn Introduction to Pressure Surge AnalysisUnderstanding Centrifugal Compressor Surge and ControlLoad Cases for Stress Analysis of a Critical Piping System Using Caesar IIWater Hammer Basics in Pumps for beginnersPipe Stress Analysis from Water Hammer LoadsFew Job Opportunities for you