Using CFD and PIV to investigate rotating cage-related hydrodynamics for CO2 corrosion studies analyzing 2-, 4- and 8-coupons setups

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this study is to evaluate the corrosion in CO2 using Rotating cage (RC) and Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software. RC experiments were carried out in a CO2 environment, to evaluate corrosion in a C-Mn Steel. CFD software was used to simulate RC flow conditions during the corrosion process, to evaluate wall shear stress. Design/methodology/approach The RC is used as a laboratory tool for studies of accelerated corrosion, according to standard ASTM G184-06. Steel corrosion was studied by means of the RC methodology. The hydrodynamics are solved numerically using CFD. Numerical calculations were performed on a 2D geometry of 8 coupons JG, for speeds of 460  and 230 rpm. The flow was analyzed with vector graphics and velocity profiles. The numerical calculations were validated with experimental measurements of the velocity field obtained with the technique of Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV). Findings Different turbulence models were used, in which CFD simulations were compared with data obtained from PIV. According to this comparison, the best turbulence model was determined. Originality/value It was found that experimental flow speeds have closer values with Spalart–Allmaras modeling than K-epsilon and K-kl-omega.