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A key component of this shallow-water capping method is the creation of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. These simulations enable engineers to model the dispersion of the hydrocarbons in the ocean as they rise from the seabed to the surface. These simulations determine the radius over which gas breaks out into the atmosphere, the so-called surface boil, and whether or not the gas concentrations are likely to form a flammable cloud.
Simulation driven deployment solutions
As the gas rises through the water column, it drags a quantity of seawater with it. Once the gas reaches the sea surface, it disperses into the atmosphere. However, gravity prevents the upwelling seawater from doing the same, and a series of surface waves and a radial outflow develop. These surface waves and the radial outflow impact the capping stack deployment vessel, which must be able to hold its position relative to the well center.
The work is part of SURE, an industry sponsored research project to learn more about the effects and hazards of underwater gas blowouts and gas leaks.
Read the full case study at Offshore Magazine.
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