Flow assurance is the application of multiple disciplines to ensure economic rates of flow from the hydrocarbon reservoir to a production facility over the life of a field and in any environment. A variety of problems can be encountered to the detriment of the piping system and associated equipment.
As an example, multiphase mixtures of oil, natural gas, water and deposits are normally piped between the reservoir and the surface. In addition, the flow regime may change at different sections of the pipeline. All these issues can lead to a multitude of pipeline failures including corrosion, erosion and blockage, etc.
This Flow Assurance training course provides participants with fundamental knowledge about variety of disciplines that are required to safely and economically transport the process throughout different sections of the piping system. This is particularly beneficial for any company hoping to avoid the high maintenance and failure costs associated with process transport.
This Energy Training Centre training course will feature:
- Process flow regimes, influence and mitigation
- Structural integrity of piping systems
- Environmental concerns and control
- Pipeline corrosion principles, control and protection
- Influence of substance formation, hydrates, waxes, etc.
- Pipeline inspection, maintenance and cleaning
By the end of this Flow Assurance training course, participants will be able to:
- Have a sound understanding of relevant flow regimes that affect the integrity of piping systems and methods of control
- Recognise the cause and influence of the formation of substances that may damage the piping system or disrupt the process flow
- Recognise various aggressive environmental factors affecting pipeline systems
- Understand the basic principles of pipeline corrosion and methods of protection
- Understand the application of relevant pipeline maintenance and cleaning techniques
- Have knowledge of process metering methods
This training course will utilise a variety of proven adult learning techniques to ensure maximum understanding, comprehension and retention of the information presented. This training course will be highly interactive and participative. This involves regular discussion of applications as well as hands-on exposure to real life examples.
Participants will be provided with comprehensive hard and electronic course notes and copies of all presentation material. Relevant computer simulations and videos will be utilised to help with the understanding of the various topics.
This Flow Assurance training course is suitable to a wide range of professionals but will greatly benefit:
- Maintenance and inspection engineers
- Construction engineers
- Risk assessment personnel and health & safety officers
- Facilities engineers and operators
- Managers and supervisors
- Project planners and procurement personnel
- Plant contractors
Day One: Pipelines Systems and Structural Integrity
- Introduction to process pipelines from source to production facility
- Types of pipes, specifications and construction
- Materials strength and relevant mechanical properties
- Pipeline structural integrity and mechanical failure, Fatigue, Creep, etc.
- Water hammer
- Worked examples of stress analysis
- Materials of construction
Day Two: Corrosion and Corrosion Control of Pipeline Systems
- Principles of corrosion
- Kinetics of corrosion
- Forms of Corrosion
- Uniform
- Bimetallic
- Pitting
- Stress corrosion cracking
- Erosion Corrosion
- Microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC)
- Hydrogen Induced, H2S, CO2
- Pipeline Coatings, External, Internal
- Corrosion Inhibitors
- Cathodic Protection, Sacrificial, Impressed Current
Day Three: Fundamental Principles of Flow Regimes and Flow Control
- Fundamental fluid Laws
- Flow profiles
- Pressure loss
- Multiphase flow
- Holdup effects
- Gas-liquid flow regimes in horizontal and vertical pipes, Flow regime maps
- Multiphase pumping systems
- Slug flow problems and damage
- Slug catchers
Day Four: Unwanted Products in Pipelines and Methods of Control
- Pipeline clogging and blockage of pipelines
- Unwanted product types
- Sand
- Salinity
- Hydrates
- Wax
- Asphaltenes
- Emulsions
- Scale
- Corrosion and Abrasive contents
- Chemicals injected to achieve flow assurance, Hydrate Inhibitors, Drag Reducing Agents, Solvents, etc.
- Testing and separation of unwanted products
Day Five: Pipeline Maintenance, Cleaning & Inspection and Flowrate Measurements
- Direct and indirect pipe inspection
- Pigging methods for cleaning
- Pigging Inspection
- Hydro-testing
- Inspection (NDT) techniques, x-ray, ultrasonic, Magnetic, etc.
- Overview of API 570 Pipe Inspection Code
- Flow rate measurements