Effect of the Material of Oil Pipelines with 90° Elbows on the Degree of Erosion Using Computational Fluid Dynamics

Understanding the erosion characteristics of different pipe materials is of paramount importance in the field of pipeline transportation due to its critical role in maintaining operational efficiency and safety.However, erosion caused by entrained particles during fluid flows poses a significant challenge to pipeline integrity.This study employs Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to comprehensively analyze and compare the erosion behaviors of stainless steel XS80S and steel XS80 pipes with 90° elbows.The investigation focuses on turbulent oil and sand particle transportation conditions, enabling the prediction of erosion rate distribution and particle trajectories, particularly within the elbow region.The results highlight the superior erosion resistance of stainless steel XS80S over steel XS80 across various simulation models.The study underscores the significance of material selection in combating erosion and enhancing pipeline integrity.The XS80S pipes performed better than the XS80 Pipes.The maximum Dpm Erosion Rate Finnie model for the XS80S and XS80 pipes were 8.62 E-25 mm 3 kg -1 and 9.17 E-25 mm 3 kg -1 , respectively; for the McLaury model they were 2.94E-24 mm 3 kg -1 and 3.10E-24 mm 3 kg -1 , respectively; for the Oka model they were 5.68E-26 mm 3 kg -1 and 6.75E-26 mm 3 kg -1 , respectively.The maximum Dpm Accretion Rate for the XS80S and XS80 pipes were 2.01E-17 mm 3 kg -1 and 2.06E-17 mm 3 kg -1 , respectively.Furthermore, the investigation sheds light on the vulnerabilities of the elbow region within pipelines, providing insights into targeted design modifications and maintenance protocols.This research advances the understanding of erosion mechanisms, fluid dynamics, and material performance, offering actionable insights for pipeline industry stakeholders.The findings lay the groundwork for future research avenues and contribute to the evolution of corrosion management practices.