Computational Fluid Dynamics
Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is a tool to analyze and solve problems that involve fluid flows. The fluid motion and heat transfer are solved using numerical schemes. CFD is applied to a wide range of research and engineering problems in many fields and industries. Dynaflow Research Group has years of experience in applying advanced CFD techniques. Many of our engineers have obtained an MSc or PhD using Computational Fluids Dynamics.
Using Computational Fluids Dynamics, accurate predictions can be made concerning the flow properties of complex systems. This can be applied to pipe line component interferences, separation systems, mixers or heat exchangers. Furthermore, CFD models are easily revised and can offer many detailed insights into the flow physics. At Dynaflow Research Group we use Helyx-OpenFOAM for our CFD studies. After a thorough discussion with the client over the CFD analysis results; realistic mitigations will be proposed to improve the systems’ reliability, safety, and performance.
DRG supports its clients with Computational Fluid Dynamics for various applications. CFD experience at Dynaflow Research Group includes, but is not limited to:
- Heat exchanger performance analysis
- Design optimization of a slug catcher
- Particle-fluid interactions
- Detailed flow analysis of a butterfly valve and in-line piping components
To discuss how DRG can offer support regarding CFD, please contact:
Harald Ottens
Project Engineer
+31 85 058 00 46
Heat exchanger performance analysis
One system that benefits especially from performance analysis with Computational Fluid Dynamics is the heat exchanger. Heat exchangers are devices that facilitate the flow of thermal energy between two or more fluids at different temperatures. They are used in a wide variety of applications in the petrochemical industry. Dynaflow Research Group provides mechanical, thermal and flow analyses for all possible types of heat exchangers using the latest technologies and standards.
By providing realistic information regarding the flow pattern at every point in the system, Computational Fluids Dynamics analyses are able to predict all important heat transfer parameters as well as the heat transfer performance for arbitrary geometries and flow conditions. This is in contrast to the traditional method, which assumes uniform flow and requires conventional geometries. CFD calculations also provide vital information regarding the fluid forces acting on the system.
In some cases, performing only a CFD analysis is not sufficient in order to approve the design of a system or to find the root cause of a failure. Structural analysis can also be an integral part of the analysis. As Dynaflow Research Group is a multi-disciplinary engineering company, we can combine the results of a Computational Fluid Dynamics analysis with a structural analysis.
Multiphase flow is another domain where Computational Fluid Dynamics can aid in the design optimization of components. Systems containing multiple phases, like slug catchers, are difficult to capture in current 1D flow solvers, due to the three-dimensional nature of the flow. For these kinds of systems, CFD can help to provide an accurate insight into the fluid behavior.
In order to design a high performance finger-type slug catcher for example, it is necessary that the fluid flow in the inlet header manifold is evenly distributed among the different fingers. Using Computational Fluid Dynamics, different configurations can be defined and compared using the time-averaged mass flow at the finger inlets. The initial configuration, leads to a large misdistribution in time-averaged mass flow. Dynaflow performed an optimization study using Computational Fluid Dynamics. Increased pipe diameter was found to promote the mass flow balance. Additionally, by applying an extra split in the main header pipe, the equal flow distribution was significantly increased.
This slug catcher design optimization is only one example of the application of Computational Fluid Dynamics to multiphase flows. Our experience has been developed into a wide range expertise: different flow regimes, different geometry complexities, multiple flow scales, exotic, non-Newtonian fluids, dynamic geometries. We are confident in our ability to provide accurate results for any type of multiphase flow problem.
Particle-fluid interactions
There are many applications where the influence of particles in a flow cannot be neglected, such as dredging, mixing or food processing. In these cases, the interaction between the particles and the fluid should be modelled in order to provide accurate results. Dynaflow Research Group has performed both small and large-scale analyses, with the implementation of particles within the flow.
The experience from these projects have led to the development of our own particle interaction solver called HADES, which can analyze the particle-fluid interaction of complex shapes and different particle sizes. With this solver and our experience in particle-fluid interaction analyses, we are able to provide an accurate representation of your system and help to find the solution to your specific problem.
Detailed Flow Analysis of a Butterfly Valve and in-line piping components
In-line components such as (butterfly) valves and orifices are key features of industrial installations. Using detailed flow analysis, the locations and design of these components can be optimized in order to mitigate possible failures or significant pressure drops due to hydrodynamic effects. At Dynaflow Research Group we combine our extensive experience in working with these in-line components with parametric CFD models in order to optimize the design of your in-line components such as the following.
In one study performed by Dynaflow Research Group, an installed butterfly valve was not able to fully open under operating conditions, with all pumps running. However, the valve fully opens when the system is not pressurized. Elbows were located close to both the upstream and downstream of the butterfly valve. Computational Fluid Dynamics was used to analyze the flow of water in the pipeline and through the butterfly valve.
The objective of the study was to determine the relation between the opening of the valve and the dynamic torque acting on the valve, which is the torque exerted by the fluid. The computed torque versus opening diagram is then compared to the actuator capacity. For this reason, Computational Fluid Dynamics analyses are performed for different valve angles. By inclusion of sufficient piping upstream and downstream of the elbows within the model, the effect of the elbows is taken into consideration. The CFD analysis performed on the valve under the specific operating conditions and the layout of the pipes has clearly shown that the torque acting on the valve remains within the permissible values. This means that the dynamic torque exerted by the flow was not the cause of the issues.
Other Complex Flow Analysis Applications
Computational Fluid Dynamics analyses are not limited to the subjects discussed above. Many more applications are possible and are well represented in our project portfolio. These include heat transfer in burners, interference of pipe line components such as filters, valves pump inlet/outlet etc. and flow inside pumps and compressors.
For all of the complex flows discussed before, a number of types of analyses can be performed. These include:
- Optimizing design to improve performance,
- Validating initial design performance,
- Determining the cause of performance issues or failures,
- Feasibility study of new configurations, e.g. closely spaced filters or pumps,
- Fluid structure interaction analysis to solve the interaction of some movable or deformable structure with an internal or surrounding fluid flow.
If you are interested in any of these options or have if you have any questions about extending the possibilities, please contact us.
CFD analysis in HELYX
At Dynaflow Research Group we use Helyx-OpenFOAM for our CFD studies. HELYX is a comprehensive general-purpose CFD software package for engineering analysis and design optimization of enterprise applications, based on an advanced open-source simulation engine developed by ENGYS using OpenFOAM technology. The CFD simulation engine, HELYX, features an advanced hex-dominant automatic mesh algorithm with polyhedra support which can run in parallel to generate large computational grids. The solver technology is based on the standard finite-volume approach, covering a wide range of physical models.
After a thorough discussion with the client over the CFD analysis results; realistic mitigations will be proposed to improve the systems’ reliability, safety, and performance.
About DRG
Dynaflow Research Group has years of experience in applying advanced CFD techniques. Many of our engineers have obtained an MSc or PhD using CFD and have obtained experience in using a variety of tools like OpenFOAM, HELYX, ANSYS Fluent and ANSYS CFX on a wide variety of projects. DRG is a respected partner to work with and to help you gaining a better understanding of the flow inside any equipment. So, if you are dealing with a complex flow problem or require a CFD analysis to validate your design, feel free to contact us.