Fast numerical simulation for full bore rupture of pressurized pipelines

An efficient numerical simulation (CNGS-MOC), based on the method of characteristics for simulating full bore rupture of long pipelines containing two-phase hydrocarbons, was developed. The use of curved characteristics, in conjunction with a compound nested grid system, as well as a fast mathematical algorithm, lead to a significant reduction of CPU time, while improving accuracy. The model is validated extensively against field data including those obtained during the Piper Alpha tragedy, as well as the Isle of Grain depressurization tests. Its predictions are compared with those based on other mathematical models including PLAC, META-HEM, MSM-CS, as well as BLOWDOWN. Both CNGS-MOC and META-HEM produce reasonably accurate predictions with the remaining models assessed performing relatively poorly.

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