Analysis of the Influence of Condensation on the Mechanical Properties of Corrugated Compensators in Pressure Pipelines

Abstract

Abstract The reliability design of pressure pipelines under special conditions such as high temperature, high pressure, and even state transformation, includes an essential section on the performance analysis of the corrugated compensator. Based on powder mechanics, a model for the accumulation of condensate in the corrugated compensator was established, and the flow-solid coupling issue was resolved by simulating the condensation process through adjustments to the wall pressure. As a consequence of simulations, the characteristic curve of the condensation process of shortening and subsequently elongation was discovered. The study implies that condensation can produce additional stress that is up to four times greater than the normal state. This additional stress increases with condensate density and the condensate’s proximity to fluid characteristics. This research provides guidance for designing pressure pipeline operating conditions, predicting and monitoring medium condensation, and corrugated compensator failure analysis.