ANSYS Fluent: Advanced Analysis of Complex Fluid Case

3D Design, Engineering, Mechanical

Overview of ANSYS Fluent

Ansys Fluent is a state-of-the art computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software widely used in engineering to simulate fluid flow, heat transfer, and chemical reactions. Its advanced modeling capabilities allow engineers to analyze complex fluid behavior under various conditions, making it an invaluable tool across multiple industries, particularly in the oil and gas sector.

Key Applications in the Oil and Gas Industry

1.0 Offshore Platform Design and Optimization

One of its primary uses is in the design and optimization of offshore platforms. Engineers can simulate the impact of environmental factors such as waves and wind on structures, ensuring safety and operational efficiency in harsh marine conditions. This capability is crucial for extending the longevity and performance of these platforms

2.0 Pipeline Design and Performance

Ansys Fluent enables engineers to predict and analyze:

  • Flow rates and pressure drops
  • Potential blockages and liquid holdup

By testing different pipeline configurations, engineers can optimize designs to minimize energy losses, reduce operational costs, and ensure reliable transportation of crude oil and natural gas.

3.0 Refining Process Optimization

CFD simulations using ANSYS play a vital role in by enhancing the performance of:

  • Reactors
  • Heat exchangers
  • Distillation columns

These optimizations maximize yield while minimizing energy consumption, improving overall refining efficiency.

4.0 Environmental Compliance

By simulating the dispersion of pollutants and emissions, ANSYS Fluent helps companies achieve environmental compliance, meet regulatory standards and minimize their environmental impact.

Case Studies by Synergy

Synergy has conducted several CFD studies for oil and gas cases, including:

  1. Adequacy check of tilted plate separators to ensure efficient fluid separation in processing facilities.
  2. Efficiency studies of scrubbers to identify inefficiencies and recommend design improvements that boost performance.
  3. Piping leakage analysis in seawater systems to assess risks and identify potential failure points.
Figure 1: ANSYS Fluent capabilities to track particle streamline inside complex equipment

Parametric Set: A Powerful Feature to Optimize Design

ANSYS is a comprehensive simulation software widely used for engineering analysis, including structural, thermal, and fluid dynamics simulations. One of its powerful features is the ability to create parametric sets, enabling engineers to perform design variations efficiently and explore multiple scenarios without manual reconfiguration for each iteration.

What is a Parametric Set?

A parametric set in ANSYS refers to a collection of parameters that can be adjusted to modify the behavior or characteristics of a model. These parameters may include:

  • Dimensions
  • Material properties
  • Boundary conditions
  • Loads

By varying these parameters, engineers can:

  • Conduct sensitivity analyses
  • Optimize designs
  • Understand how changes impact performance

Benefits of Using Parametric Sets

1.0 Efficiency

  • Automates parameter adjustments, allowing engineers to quickly evaluate multiple design iterations.
  • Saves time and reduces the potential for errors.

2.0 Optimization

  • Enables exploration of a design space to identify the best-performing configurations.
  • Useful for optimization studies, balancing performance criteria with factors like weight cost.

3.0 Sensitivity Analysis

  • Helps engineers understand how parameter changes affect overall system performance.
  • Identifies the most influential parameters in the design.

4.0 Easy Integration with Other Tools

  • Can be integrated with optimization algorithms and other software tools
  • Enhances the capability to automatically find optimal designs

Applications Examples in Engineering

Parametric sets are widely used across industries like aerospace, automotive, and oil and gas for:

1.0 Structural Analysis

Adjust dimensions and materials to assess strength and durability under varying loading conditions.

2.0 Fluid Dynamics

Modify flow rates, geometries, and boundary conditions to optimize system performance.

3.0 Thermal Analysis

Vary heat loads and material properties to evaluate and improve thermal management solutions.

Conclusion

The parametric set functionality in ANSYS enables engineers to efficiently explore design options and optimize their models. This leads to better performance and fosters innovative solutions across a variety of engineering applications.

Drop us an e-mail at enquiries@synergykl.com.my to know more about our CFD services.