International energy consultancy Xodus Group and Dutch innovation company TNO will co-ordinate a Joint Industry Programme (JIP) with key industry players BP, Shell, Statoil, Total, Lundin, FMC Technologies and Aker Solutions, to carry out pioneering research into the role of multiphase flow induced vibration in the integrity of offshore piping systems.

The JIP into multiphase flow induced vibration will be coordinated by Xodus across three phases, over three years. Phase 1 of the JIP is expected to be completed by autumn 2014.

The ultimate goal is to contribute to industrial capability of determining the likelihood of piping fatigue due to excitation from multiphase flow. This will be carried out by examining the amplitude and frequency characteristics of dynamic forces which are generated by ‘steady state’ multiphase flow in piping systems (whether subsea and topsides) across a range of flow regimes. This will encompass slugging through to dispersed/annular flow, and includes wet gas. Potential benefits could include improving screening, simulation and prediction models through the use of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and empirical methods.

Tags: Xodus Group