Semester of Graduation
Summer 2019
Degree
Master of Science in Petroleum Engineering (MSPE)
Department
Petroleum Engineering
Document Type
Thesis
Abstract
Reliability of blowout preventers (BOPs) is crucial for drilling and production operations. Erosion of BOP components and hydrodynamic forces on rams may cause failure of BOP elements to seal the well. Transient computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations of fluids within the wellbore and BOP offer quantitative and qualitative data related to this reliability during the closure of various BOP components. Since limited research has been published in transient CFD simulations of closing BOPs, this thesis discusses challenges and solutions to simulating closing blowout preventers. Single component fluids are simulated through several BOP geometries such as annular preventers, pipe rams, and shear rams. Cavitation, pressure fields, velocity fields, and shear rates along walls are monitored during the simulations. The present work provides a basis to which future directions may be built upon, such as more complex fluid properties.
Recommended Citation
Barreca, Daniel, "Transient Flow Analysis of a Closing Blowout Preventer Using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)" (2019). LSU Master's Theses. 4950.
https://repository.lsu.edu/gradschool_theses/4950
Committee Chair
Tyagi, Mayank
DOI
10.31390/gradschool_theses.4950
Included in
Computational Engineering Commons, Other Engineering Commons, Other Mechanical Engineering Commons