Computational Fluid Dynamic Modelling of An Erosion-Corrosion Test Method

ABSTRACT
This paper reports the process and conclusions of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modelling performed on the rotating coupon erosion-corrosion test apparatus.

The test method utilises a rotating coupon being spun at high speed in a high weight % sand slurry for a fixed duration.  Under specific conditions the phenomenon of erosion-corrosion is studied.  For this to happen impingement of the sand on the test specimen is required.  The CFD modelling has given a baseline for the system and allowed for sand concentrations and impingement rates to be approximated.

The computational model has been constructed and solved in  the PHYSICA numerical toolkit.  The model resolves the hydrodynamics of the system including the effect of turbulence and accounts for the relative motion of the sand through the algebraic slip model. The outputs from the model include concentration profiles, flow patterns, particle distribution and impingement rates.

In combination with the observed test method baselines and performance of corrosion inhibitors it is possible to develop hypothesis on the occurrences in the test and the mode of action that the inhibitors function by.

Keywords: Erosion-corrosion, computational fluid dynamics, modelling, impingement, corrosion inhibitors