# Design and Material Optimization of Oil Plant Piping Structure for Mitigating Erosion Wear
## 6 Conclusions  
This study was conducted to reduce the erosion rate in piping structures utilized in non-conventional oil plants and to optimize the design and material. The literature was reviewed based on the piping structure variables affecting the TDRs and ERs, and four key variables were selected to model the optimized piping structure that are piping material, piping thickness (t/D), elbow angle, and fluid velocity. The conclusions drawn based on this survey are as follows:  
1. Upon comparing the simulation results of pipe material cases A90, and I90 with C90, it is evident from the CFD results that I90, in which the Inconel 617 alloy material was utilized, exhibited a significantly lower TDR and ER than A90 and C90. This decrease of the TDR and ER in I90 is attributed to the distinctive material properties of I90. Notably, I90 showcased a higher density and a superior Brinell hardness number in comparison to the properties of A90 and C90. Additionally, I90 exhibited lower thermal conductivity. These specific material characteristics played a crucial role in significantly reducing the erosion rate within the piping structure. Consequently, I90 emerged as a resilient choice, offering notable resistance against erosion. 2. After a thorough comparison of pipe thickness cases, specifically C90-tn and C90-tk, with the C90, the results revealed significant distinctions. C90-tk, characterized by a substantial pipe thickness (t/D) of 14.02/87.02 mm, demonstrated superior resilience against the impact of solid particles, owing to the provision of a more substantial material barrier against erosion. Notably, it exhibited the lowest TDR and ER in contrast to C90-tn and C90, in which thin pipe walls were used. This highlights the effectiveness of a thicker wall in mitigating erosion-related damage, resulting in decreased TDRs and ERs. 3. When comparing the outcomes of elbow angle cases C45 and C25, with the C90, it was observed that C25, featuring a 25-degree elbow angle, exhibited the lowest TDR and ER compared to C45 and C90, with 45\({}^{\circ}\) and 90\({}^{\circ}\) elbow angles. This attributes to the fact that a 25\({}^{\circ}\) elbow induces a less abrupt change in direction, reducing turbulence and fluid velocity gradients, ultimately leading to a decrease in the ER. The smoother flow transition in the 25\({}^{\circ}\) elbow, as opposed to sharper angles like 45\({}^{\circ}\) and 90\({}^{\circ}\), minimizes flow separation thereby mitigates erosion. The favorable flow conditions resulting from this smoother transition contribute to the observed reduction in TDR and ER in C25. 4. Upon comparing the CFD results of fluid velocity cases C90-lv and C90-hv, with C90, C90-lv, with a velocity of 0.344 m/s, demonstrated the least TDR and ER compared to the C90, in which a fluid velocity of 0.688 m/s was used. The reduction in velocity in C90-lv diminished the impingement force of solid particles on the piping surface, thereby decreasing their kinetic energy and erosive potential. This deceleration in fluid flow results in a reduction in erosion action, ultimately lowering the turbulence and erosive forces exerted on the walls of piping structure. 5. The outcomes of the CFD analysis in this investigation suggested optimal configurations for pipe material, pipe thickness, elbow angle, and fluid velocity. Employing these refined parameters, an optimized piping structure (OP) was designed, and the comparison with the standard piping structure (C90) showcased a notable 80% decrease in TDR and a remarkable 99.2% decrease in ER. This reaffirms the effectiveness of utilizing Inconel 617 alloy, adopting a higher pipeline thickness, opting for a 25\({}^{\circ}\) elbow angle, and employing a lower fluid velocity for enhancing piping structure durability and effectively mitigating erosion. 6. Crude oil is critical, accounting for 34% of the global energy system and over 90% of world transportation. Given the global increase in oil demand since 2004, research and development on non-conventional oil plants are essential.