Pipeline column separation refers to the phenomenon where the fluid undergoes a phase change in a liquid hydrocarbon pipeline due to change elevation or flow rate or temperature. The phase change could lead to bubbles or vapor pockets along the pipeline. The hydraulic behavior of column separation looks a like a leak signature and it can mask a real leak when it happens. It is difficult to assess the dynamic change in energy state of pipeline due to column separation vs. a leak scenario. Controllers are trained to react to Column Separation scenario by using a “Think Leak” mentality and disproving the loss of energy conservation due to Column Separation.
In liquid pipelines, this is considered a detriment to pipe integrity and operations if the system has not been designed to control and manage Column Separation occurrence. Generally, pipeline operators detect the occurrence of column separation by inference.
It may be inferred from dedicated pressure measurements at high elevation points, or through calculations made by a Computation Pipeline Monitoring system (CPM).
Pipeline operators rely on the accuracy of CPMs to make decisions on column separation and to avoid the masking of a leak during column separation. Vanmok has developed ColumnFinder® to accurately predict column separation for all the possible scenarios that may cause it to occur in liquid hydrocarbon transportation pipelines.
Column Finder monitors the hydraulic state of the system and calculates the times at which any point in the pipeline undergoes a pressure drop that reaches vapor pressure.
Once this inception moment is calculated anywhere in the system, the ColumnFinder® keeps monitoring the hydraulics of the system by adding the simultaneous solution of the conservation laws of mass and momentum and energy for the formed vapor phase, along with the similar governing equations for the liquid phase. This approach guarantees the correct capture of the evolution of the column separation on top of the captured inception
Designed with ease of use in mind, the graphical user interface (GUI) provides engineers and operators with an intuitive platform to visualize simulation results, monitor real-time data, and make informed decisions.
At Vanmok, we are committed to providing innovative solutions that enhance the efficiency, safety, and environmental sustainability of pipeline transportation. Our Column Separation Simulator is the ideal tool for managing the column separation, training the controllers, designing, analyzing, and optimizing pipelines that transport liquid hydrocarbon that are prone to Column Separation.