Finite Element Analysis Study to Calculate Stress, Restraint, and Displacement Values of an Elevated Oil Expansion Loop in Rumaila Oil Field

Abstract

This paper includes a finite element analysis study to explore the stress, strain and of a 16-inch trunk line in South Rumaila oil field, Iraq. CAESAR II software was utilized to simulate the expansion loop 3D model. The loop was prepared in the middle of a distance of 300 000 mm. Data such as pipe and oil specifications were used as input parameters for the software. Results revealed that the allowable stress values for both loops in sustainable and expansion load cases were equal to 57 and 12.7% respectively, which is an appropriate indicator to utilize this elevated loop as a replacement for the normal one. The displacement in the first half of the elevated expansion loop was higher by 6% compared to the displacement of the normal expansion loop due to the generated torsion. Also, the force components FX (force in the flow direction) and FZ (force vertical to the flow direction in the horizontal plane) on the supports were not recorded at the normal expansion loop, whereas these values were then increased up to 157 and 240% respectively at the middle of the loops’ legs. These values decreased by 46 and 85% respectively, at the center nodes of the elevated expansion loop. Results revealed that the elevated expansion loop can absorb stress, strain, and displacement values effectively and this can reduce the required area for constructing the pipelines.