Hello dear friends,
We have 36" pipeline and we want to test newly installed leak detection system. Leak detection vendor is suggesting to have real leak in pipeline. So we found one 2" isolation valve on pipeline to which we are going to install a pipe with another ball valve (for quick opening) and RO. Leak will be delivered to vacuum truck during testing.
Pipeline operating pressure: 84 barg
Fluid: Stabilized crude oil
Required Leak flow rate through 2" pipe: 95 m3/h !!
Since we do not have any other option but to use the 2" isolation valve available on the pipeline. I tried to calculate whether it is feasible to have 95 m3/hr of liquid flow through 2" pipe.
I found on paper that it is feasible! Velocity is coming around 18 m/s. I am in a confusion whether based on this simple hydraulics should I tell the team to go ahead with 2" pipe or not?
Possible problems which I envisaged in this system is
1. Velocity is higher than erosion velocity: Since the piping will be used only for the period of leak testing, say 10 days, so my piping life needs to only 10 days. This ruled out the constraint of erosion velocity.
2. Vibrations due to high velocity: Piping support can take care of this during design.
3. Static electricity due to high velocity: We can install earthing connection.
Does anyone see any other constraint in this system?
Thank you for your support.
Kind regards,
Manohar