CFD modelling of hydrate slurry flow in a pipeline based on Euler-Euler approach

The presence and agglomeration of hydrates particle in oil and gas transportation pipeline can pose a major threat for the flow assurance. Understanding the hydrate-containing flow characteristics is of essence to efficiently manage and transport hydrate slurries. In this work, a 3D computational fluid dynamics model of hydrates slurry flow in pipeline was built using Eulerian-Eulerian multiphase approach. Reynolds averaged numerical simulation based on the Reynolds stress model was used to capture the turbulence. User defined functions of hydrates particle size and shear viscosity models were developed and integrated into the CFD model. The model predictions on pressure gradients at different inlet velocities and hydrates volume fractions were compared with the experimental data. Hydrates deposition characteristics were investigated and the hydrates deposition bed heights were determined for low inlet velocities. This study should provide valuable insight into hydrate-laden flow in pipelines that might help redesign them for better flow assurance.