NUMERICAL PREDICTION OF EROSION-CORROSION IN BENDS
by
Anthony Keating and Srdjan Nesic
Abstract

A combination of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and Lagrangian particle tracking has been used to pre- dict two-phase erosion-corrosion in a three-dimensional square-sectioned U-bend. A commercial CFD code has been used to predict fluid flow fields using the k-e turbulence model. These predictions have been verified against ex- perimental results. Mass transfer controlled oxygen corrosion was calculated using species concentration fields. The Lam-Bremhorst low Reynolds number modification was used in near-wall regions to accurately resolve the diffusional controlled sublayer. A Lagrangian particle tracking algorithm coupled with the eddy interaction model has been de- veloped and verified for turbulent particle dispersion. Erosion has been predicted from wall impact data through the use of an empirical erosion model. Erosion rates for sand particles are presented. The effect of Reynolds number and bend orientation on erosion rates was investigated. Finally predictions of two-phase erosion-corrosion are presented.

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