Choke Collapse Simulations

Even Andersen

2013-10-29
Choke Collapse

• A choke collapse is defined as a scenario where the

primary restriction unit fails and causes a sudden
increase in flow.

• The consequences of a choke collapse can greatly http://www.marktding.de/wp-content/uploads/burning-platform.jpg

impact the safety of the staff working on gas and oil

platforms.

• The executed analysis has to warrant optimal results

concerning pressure relief and instrumented safety
systems preventing pressures in vessels and piping
to exceed the allowable safety limits.

http://extras.denverpost.com/media/photos/neighbors/39d410b783c4f76d705030f
cf523bf33.jpg

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Overpressure protection of inlet arrengements

Cage

Seat

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Topside piping
Pipe ID [mm] Volume [m3]
• P&ID  ISO  Simplification 139.8 0.27
189.5 1.58
• Liquid in low points during normal production can give liquid slugs 281.0 1.12
304.8 1.43
following an accidental scenario such as choke collapse. 304.8 8.29
304.8 3.06
• Volume in piping and separator will lower the initial pressure peak 304.8 0.63
339.8 11.99
following a choke collapse. SUM 28.36

Cage

Seat

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Scenario
Defining the scenario is a central part of the study.

Example of assumptions to be considered:

• Gas filled well with high topside shut-in pressure.

• Normal but high production prior to the choke

collapse or inadvertent valve opening.

• Immediate compressor trip when the choke

collapses or inadvertently opens.

• Background flaring from other separators.

Cage
• Initial liquid levels and pressures in separator(s).
Seat

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How does a choke work
Plug and cage choke Choke CV

Valve sizing coefficient.

Plug
Remains intact and
A constant related to the
restricts the flow in a
geometry of a valve, for a
choke collapse
given travel, that can be
scenario.
used to establish flow
capacity.

Cage

Flow
Seat

Cage
Breaks apart in a
choke collapse
scenario. ~ 100 % Open Choke Closed Choke

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Statoil's guidelines on choke collapse simulation
Cage Collapse and Plug remain intact
Intact choke
100% open

CV 150

CV 0 CV 180 CV 360

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Choke CV and Upstream pressure (with time)

Cage

Seat

For more information on this cage collapse scenario please also see presentation by Eli Vatland Johansen from Tekna seminar 2012.
http://www.tekna.no/ikbViewer/Content/851013/Prosessikkerhet%20olje%20og%20gass%20november2012%20bergen.pdf

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Separator pressure

PSV fully open

Cage
PSV start to open

Seat

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Knock Out Drum pressure

Cage

Seat

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 P2A2
F2 = +
Momentum Flux (ρv2) ρ2v2 2 A2

Reaction Force contribution P1 A1

F1 = +
ρ1v1 2 A1
The reaction forces in the piping can be greater following an inadvertent
valve opening (10 seconds opening time towards CV 150), than the
http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/forces-pipe-bends-d_968.html
reaction forces following a choke collapse (1 second opening to CV
greater than 150).
Total ρv2 = (Gas ρv2) + (Liquid film ρv2)
. + (Liquid droplets ρv2)
This is due to lower pressure upstream of choke before accident. Less
initial liquid in the pipes due to higher gas velocities might also contribute.

Cage

Seat

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Summary

• «Plug and Cage» choke with the accidental

scenario of a cage collapse will be less severe
than the scenario with both cage and plug
collapse.

• In some cases a choke collapse where only the

cage has collapsed can also be less severe than
inadvertent valve opening. This can be difficult to
predict before simulations are performed.

• The result of running such a detailed study can be

Cage
lower modification costs and allowing for larger
chokes to be installed. (higher production!)
Seat

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Choke Collapse Simulations

Even Andersen
Engineer Flow Assurance
eveand@statoil.com

www.statoil.com

13 2013-10-29