Multiphase Fluid Dynamics in Storage Tanks of Varying Geometry

Abstract

Sloshing control is key in the offshore storage and transportation of petroleum and other liquid phased products such as liquid natural gas (LNG). It is of interest in the enhancement of the structural stability of offshore platforms and floating production storage and offloading units. This work presents a numerical approach in the study and analysis of the effect of storage tank configurations on the hydrodynamic response of a multiphase-layered fluid undergoing sloshing. The study showed that tank configurations had an effect on the internal and free surface wave heights of the multiphase fluid sloshing in the tank, as well as on the dynamic pressure intensity being exerted on the tank walls, with some configurations exhibiting comparatively greater sloshing wave and pressure damping.