Objective:
To simulate the flow velocities & pressure along the Dual Crude Storage Tank internal spreader pipe and verify whether there is any re-circulation of fluid from tank into the internal spreader pipe through the slots on the laterals.
Design Approach:
CFD simulations have been carried out for both site installed internal and proposed internal spreader pipe design. The domain to be analyzed is divided in to small volumes in mathematical model and equations are solved for these volumes using numerical methods. In this work the standard k-ε turbulence model has been used for simulating the turbulence behavior of the flow.
After analysis, it can be seen that in modified internal spreader, the flow-rates is uniform and the velocities are small enough to dampen under the static pressure inside the Dual Crude Tank. Low velocities of flow from the slots of the spreader will improve the oil-water separation inside the tank. However, back-flow at various slots close to the entrance of the laterals are observed. To avoid back-flow, several slots are proposed to be closed to achieve optimal flow performance of the flow distributor.
