Dispersion, flow assurance and safety on live assets.
One of our primary fields, backed by a verified methodology covering gas dispersion, flow assurance and process safety. Studies here feed directly into risk assessments and permit documentation, so traceability matters as much as accuracy.
1 · Sector needs with respect to CFD
Consequence modelling drives layout, detector placement and manning decisions, so the sector needs simulation that handles congested geometry, buoyant and dense gases, and multiphase pipeline behaviour under credible worst-case scenarios.
| REQUIREMENT | WHAT IT DEMANDS OF THE SIMULATION |
|---|---|
| Congested-geometry dispersion | Releases inside process modules where integral models fail — CFD resolves the effect of decks, walls and equipment on cloud build-up and ventilation. |
| Dense and buoyant gas behaviour | Correct treatment of heavier-than-air and light gases, jet momentum, entrainment and stratification in confined spaces. |
| Multiphase flow assurance | Slugging, hold-up, erosion risk and separator performance across the operating envelope, including turndown and start-up. |
| Ignition and blast context | Flammable cloud volume and location as input to explosion overpressure assessment and structural response. |
| Auditable methodology | Documented mesh, model and validation choices that survive third-party review by verifiers and regulators. |
2 · Typical representative cases
Release scenarios across wind directions and rates, quantifying flammable cloud volume and residence time within congested modules.
Exposure mapping for toxic components at manned locations, control rooms and escape routes under adverse weather.
Natural and forced ventilation rates in enclosed and semi-enclosed areas, supporting hazardous-area classification and dilution claims.
Thermal radiation footprint and unburnt gas dispersion from flare and cold-vent systems, including wind-blown flame effects.
Internal flow distribution, residence time and carry-over prediction for separators, scrubbers and slug catchers.
Particle-laden flow through bends, chokes and tees to locate erosion hotspots and set inspection priorities.
3 · Policy and standards verifiable through CFD
Simulation supports — and in several frameworks explicitly permits — demonstration of compliance. Acceptance criteria and validation evidence are agreed with you and the approving body before the study begins.
| FRAMEWORK | HOW CFD SUPPORTS VERIFICATION |
|---|---|
| NORSOK Z-013 | Risk and emergency preparedness analysis. Explicitly recognises CFD for dispersion and explosion consequence modelling; our documentation follows the expected structure for scenario definition and reporting. |
| IEC 60079-10-1 | Hazardous area classification. Zone extent and ventilation-availability assessment can be substantiated with CFD dilution and dispersion results rather than generic tables alone. |
| API 521 / ISO 23251 | Pressure relieving and depressuring. Flare and vent dispersion plus radiation levels are verified against the standard’s exposure criteria for personnel and equipment. |
| ISO 13702 | Control and mitigation of fires and explosions. Layout, segregation and ventilation measures on offshore installations are demonstrated using consequence modelling. |
| Seveso III (2012/18/EU) | Major accident hazards. Safety reports for upper-tier establishments require credible consequence assessment — CFD supplies the dispersion and radiation evidence. |
A complete outsourcing solution: an engineering description of your problem, the geometry or area to analyse and the operating flow conditions are enough to start. All work is carried out by CompFlow personnel at company premises under strict bidirectional non-disclosure agreements, on in-house computing facilities including a 120-core cluster.
Engagement is project-based (predefined deliverables and deadlines) or yearly (a set number of consultancy hours). Related services: CFD Consulting · Code Development · Flow Measurements · 3D Design & Scan · CFD Training · CFD Support.