EG55G8: FLOW ASSURANCE (2018-2019)

Last modified: 22 May 2019 17:07

Course Overview

There are many challenges during transport of oil and gas through pipelines. These challenges require a real grasp of the fundamentals in fluid mechanics, heat transfer, phase changes, deposition and/or obstruction, erosion and new technologies to ensure a reliable and cost effective provision of oil and gas. Deep water production, heavy oils, high water production, severe slugging, hydrates, sour gases, asphaltenes and waxes make this task even harder. This course will provide a detailed explanation of the topics, a well-balanced set of tutorials with real examples, invited lectures from experienced engineers and flow assurance specific software training.

Course Details

Study Type	Postgraduate	Level	5
Term	Second Term	Credit Points	15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits)
Campus	Online	Sustained Study	No
Co-ordinators	Dr Euan Bain

What courses & programmes must have been taken before this course?

Engineering (EG) (Studied)
Any Postgraduate Programme (Studied)

What other courses must be taken with this course?

None.

What courses cannot be taken with this course?

EG50G1 Flow Assurance (D/L) (Studied)

Are there a limited number of places available?

Course Description

This course aims to review the processes and problems associated with the flow of hydrocarbon product through subsea systems, with a particular emphasis on fundamentals of system modelling and design.

The main learning outcomes of the course are:

A non-specialist understanding of the basics of the chemical properties of the principal hydrocarbon fluids.

Knowledge of the different methods to assess the phase diagram and the themophysical properties of tfhe mixture of fluids that are transported along pipelines.

Knowledge of the techniques to model single phase and multiphase flow and to consider design implications resulting there from

Knowledge of the causes and effects of waxing, hydrate build up, asphaltenes, scale and other chemical obstacles to fluid flow through pipelines

Knowledge of techniques to maintain pipelines free from obstructions and assess erosion.

Knowledge of, and ability to use, the mathematical techniques to model flow dynamics

Knowledge of, and ability to use, the mathematical techniques for the thermal modelling of pipelines

Knowledge and introduction to future design trends

Further Information & Notes

EG55F8 is the code for the campus version of the course.

Contact Teaching Time

Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.

Teaching Breakdown

More Information about Week Numbers

Details, including assessments, may be subject to change until 30 August 2024 for 1st term courses and 20 December 2024 for 2nd term courses.

Summative Assessments

1 three hour examination (70%) and continuous assessment (30%).

The re-sit will comprise of re-doing the failed element/s (exam and/or coursework assessment/s) from the 1st attempt with a maximum CGS mark of D3. The marks for other elements (successfully passed) will be carried over. Resit mark of either RP or RF will be recorded.

Formative Assessment

Mini-project: (1) Full-time: Overview of flow assurance package Pipesim; Design calculation for a simple pipeline branch or a small network using Pipesim; report. (2) Distance learning: Design course work.

Feedback

Students receive individual, written feedback on their coursework. We also provide whole-class feedback via MyAberdeen. We also put model answers/mark schemes for all coursework. We create and monitor an active discussion board where the students interact in real-time gathering feedback in a daily basis.

Course Learning Outcomes