Numerical Predictions of Uniform CO2 Corrosion in Complex Fluid Domains Using Low Reynolds Number Models

Abstract

To get the knowledge of local corrosion, thinning is useful for developing targeted inspection plans for pipe components in the oil/gas industry. Aiming at this object, this work presents a computer fluid dynamics (CFD) method to predict CO2 aqueous corrosion in complex fluid domains. The processes involved in CO2 aqueous corrosion, including flow dynamics, mass transfer, chemical reactions, and electrochemical reactions, are modeled and simulated by a commercial CFD software of Fluent V15.0 (Version, manufacturer, city, country). Mass transfer in the straight pipe flow and jet impinging flow are simulated using three low-Reynolds-number turbulent models (Abe–Kondoh–Nagano k − ε model, Change–Hsieh–Chenk k − ε model, and k − ε shear stress transport model). The flow domains are meshed by grids with the first near-wall node at the position at y+ = 0.1. Comparisons between simulations and experimental data show the Abe–Kondoh–Nagano model provides the best predictions of near-wall flow and mass transfer. Thus, it is used to predict CO2 aqueous corrosion. Corrosion rates of dissolved CO2 in straight pipes and a jet impinging are predicted. The predicted corrosion rates are compared with experimental data and results derived from commercial software, Multicorp V5.2.105. The results show that predicted corrosion rates are reasonable. The locations of the highest corrosion rate for a jet impinging system are revealed.