Validation of Calculated Flow Regime Using Experimental Data with Standard Methods of an Existing Software

The aim of this research was to determine the flow regime of a standard steel 14-inch multiproduct pipeline. The study analysed the effects of flow rates, product viscosities, pipe diameter, internal roughness and elevation change on Reynolds number. Reynolds number was calculated using standard empirical method and simulated using pipe-flow wizard (PFW) software package to validate the calculated results. Flow rates used were obtained from the daily operations record of two consecutive years and were in the range of 629 – 765 m3 /hr. Reynolds number for gasoline ranged 1.7 ⅹ 106 – 2.1 ⅹ 106, kerosene 2.8 ⅹ 105 – 3.4 ⅹ 105 and diesel 1.3 ⅹ 105 – 1.6 ⅹ 105. Based on the results, flow regime was turbulent when pumping all three products. Regression as a standard statistical analysis tool, observed no significant difference between calculated and simulated Reynolds number when pumping gasoline, kerosene and diesel, since the coefficient of determination (R2) equals to one. Simulation results validated the calculated flow regime. Calculated results are recommended for use in further review study of the said pipeline in order to improve product delivery efficiency.