Southwest Research Institute 1996 Annual Report Fluid and Machinery Dynamics Test data from simulated pipeline ruptures were used to evaluate new rupture detection and control systems and to validate computer models of pipeline flow dynamics. Investigations range from the development of space fluid systems, to research with gas industry consortia on advanced technology, to solving noise and vibration problems for automotive manufacturers and other industries. Ongoing activities include the evaluation of piping installation effects on orifice and turbine meter accuracy and assessments of the performance of ultrasonic flow, rotary flow, and compact gas meters. SwRI research has demonstrated that advanced computational methods provide key data regarding time-evolving flow fields in complex problems. Here, natural gas flow around pipeline orifice meters is simulated at 0.1-second intervals using computational fluid dynamics techniques and parallel computing.
Orifice plates cause pressure oscillations that can affect metering accuracy.
Analyses of simulated flow phenomena can contribute to more accurate methods of pipeline metering. In a program for GRI, Institute engineers are investigating better ways of sampling pipeline gas to determine its composition, one variable that can significantly affect flow measurement accuracy. To transfer results of this and other projects from the laboratory to the field, SwRI conducts field studies to help individual gas companies solve measurement problems and teaches measurement short courses to gas company personnel. Routine flow meter calibrations for commercial clients are also provided, along with a number of programs to help manufacturers with prototype meter research and development. A flow loop is being constructed to study multiphase transport of solids such as sand, paraffins, and hydrates that can block flow or cause erosion in pipelines.