Slug Flow Analysis Using Dynamic Spectrum Method in Caesar II PDF
Slug Flow Analysis Using Dynamic Spectrum Method in Caesar II PDF
Caesar II (PDF)
whatispiping.com/slug-flow-analysis-using-dynamic-spectrum-method/
The basics of slug flow, Calculation of Slug forces, and static analysis methodology in
Caesar II are provided in my last article titled “Static Analysis of Slug Flow”. Click here to
read the same. In this article, We will explain the methods for performing the slug flow
analysis using the Dynamic Spectrum Method of Caesar II Software.
Table of Contents
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Reason for Dynamic Slug Flow Analysis of Piping System?
Dynamic Slug Flow Module of Caesar II
Slug Duration
Slug Periodicity
Generating Spectrum Profile for Slug Flow
Creating Dynamic Slug Flow Load Cases for Analysis
Output Results from Dynamic Slug Flow Analysis
Some Important Points to Consider
Online Course on Dynamic Slug Flow Analysis
On the other hand, a dynamic slug load quickly varies with respect to time and hence the
piping system does not get sufficient time to distribute and resolve the forces. This results in
an unbalanced slug force that leads to pipe movement. So it’s always preferable to perform
dynamic analysis when dynamic loads are involved to get real analysis results.
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Before you start the dynamic slug flow analysis you have to perform a conventional static
analysis of the system (without using any slug force) and qualify the system from all stress
criteria (Thermal, Sustained, Occasional, as applicable).
To open the dynamic module in Caesar II click on the dynamic analysis button as shown in
Fig.1.
When you click on the dynamic analysis button following window (Fig.2) will open. Select
Slug Flow (Spectrum) from the drop-down menu. The window will be filled with some pre-
existing data. For clarity simply select all those and delete them. Now we have to provide
inputs for analysis.
During dynamic slug flow analysis, our first input will be the generation of a response
spectrum profile. Slug load is one type of impulse load. So the magnitude of the load
varies from zero to some maximum value, remains constant for a time, and then
reduces to zero again. The force profile can be represented by a curve as shown in Fig. 3.
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So from the above profile, it is clear that in addition to the slug force (Refer to Static method
of Slug Flow using Caesar II for calculation of slug force), we need to calculate two
additional parameters, a) Slug Duration and b) Slug Periodicity.
Slug Duration
Slug duration is defined as the time required for the slug to cross the elbow.
Mathematically it can be denoted as, Slug Duration=Length of Liquid Slug/Velocity of
Flow.
Slug Periodicity
Slug Periodicity can be defined as the time interval for two consecutive slugs hitting
the same elbow. So mathematically it can be denoted as Slug Periodicity = (Length of
Liquid Slug + Length of Gas Slug)/Velocity of Flow.
When you click on Enter Pulse data it will open the window where we have to enter the data
for spectrum profile generation. From the above curve at time 0 the force is 2120 N the same
force will be active for the next 8 milliseconds till the slug crosses the elbow. Then at time,
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8.1 millisecond forces will be reduced to zero. And the same zero force will be there till 400
milliseconds. Then the next cycle will start. i.e., at time 400.1 milliseconds, the force will be
again 2120 N. That way enter data for at least two cycles as shown in Fig. 5:
Clicking the Save / Continue button will convert the time history into its equivalent force
response spectrum in terms of Dynamic Load Factor versus Frequency and the screen
“Spectrum Table Values “as shown in Fig. 5 will appear.
Be sure to specify a unique spectrum name, as this processor will overwrite any existing files
of the same name.
By clicking OK, the processor will load the appropriate data in the Spectrum Definitions tab in
Dynamic Input and move the data to the Dynamic Input.
Once the spectrum profile is generated click on the force sets button and enter the slug force
with the proper direction in the fields as shown in Fig. 6:
Click on the + button to add more rows and the – buttons to delete rows.
In the force set field, input a numeric ID which will be used to construct dynamic load
cases.
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Refer to Fig. 7 for load case preparation
Finally, click on the control parameters button and select the load case for which you want to
perform the analysis. Normally operating load case is selected (Refer to Fig. 8) for dynamic
analysis. Keep all other parameters as it is. Now click on batch run to obtain the analysis
results. Fig 9 shows typical analysis results.
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Fig. 9: Typical Dynamic Slug Flow Output Reports
Fig. 9 shows a typical output screen for dynamic slug flow analysis in Caesar II.
The highlighted node 10 is for the nozzle.
All support and nozzle loads are to be checked.
Stresses are to be kept below code allowable values.
The highlighted direction sign will show other load case combinations.
Whenever modifying any support perform static analysis and keep the system stresses
within the allowable limit.
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4. The formation of Slug Flow can be reduced by
By reducing line sizes to a minimum permitted by available pressure differentials.
By using a low-point effluent drain or bypass.
By arranging the pipe configurations to protect against slug flow. E.g. in a
pocketed line where liquid can collect, slug flow might develop. Hence pocket is
to be avoided.
By Installing a Slug Catcher
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