Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences

Year: 2009
Volume: 4
Issue: 3
Page No. 161 - 163

A Study of the Agglomeration of Sand Particles in Turbulent Flowlines Using the Monte-Carlo Agglomeration Model Based on Smoluchowski Equation

Authors : Joseph I. Achebo

Abstract: In Nigeria, one of the transmission pipeline installation companies was faced with early pipe leakage problem in one of their installations. Several experimental tests were done to determine the root cause and one of the tests suggested strong evidence linking the leakage problem to the interactions between the agglomerated particles and the pipe wall. The limited space in the pipe could cause flow constriction that could lead to pipe burst due to high pressure exertion that could in turn also increase the flow shear stress. Therefore, this research was carried out to find the particle build up pattern and attendant locations. The study uses the monte-carlo agglomeration model that is based on smoluchowski equation to investigate the agglomeration of slurry of particles in fluid transmission pipelines. From the model, particle diameter and aggregate diameter were determined to be 4.8 and 6.0 μm, respectively, with a population of 1.5. These values indicate that the slurry could not form actual aggregates of particles. The cause of leakages could be due to the high flow rate intermixed with high quantity of sand particles in suspension in the pipeline. However, the loss of aggregates may be attributed to proper administration of dispersants in the pipeline and the application of mechanical pigs for routine cleaning.

How to cite this article:

Joseph I. Achebo , 2009. A Study of the Agglomeration of Sand Particles in Turbulent Flowlines Using the Monte-Carlo Agglomeration Model Based on Smoluchowski Equation. Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences, 4: 161-163.

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