Client
Trans Pacific Petrochemical Indotama.
Challenge
A number of leaks were found on 90-degree elbows at the radiant outlet piping section of the distillation column feed heater, with no confirmed mechanism behind the repeated failures.
Approach
CFD simulations with a multiphase Lagrangian model were performed to track particle trajectories and compute the eroded material distribution along the affected elbows.
Result
The erosion contours reproduced the observed damage locations on Elbow 1 and Elbow 2, matching the leak points recorded during inspection of Outlet Pass #4.
Client outcome
The simulation served as scientific reference data for the overall troubleshooting process, giving the plant an evidence-based root cause for the elbow leaks.