Synergetics

Due to the large scale of facilities in the power, oil and gas industries, small improvements to operational efficiency can result in substantial productivity increases and cost reductions.

Figure 1: Vorticity in the wake of components of an oil rig during heavy winds. The complex flow structure depends on both the arrangement and the wind direction; by utilising computational fluid dynamics modelling, both forces and frequencies can be identified.

Using advanced modelling techniques, such as CFD and dispersion modelling, Synergetics engineers have assisted clients with a range of operations including:

  • modelling a ground flare to design a protective solution;
  • heat exchanger modelling and optimisation;
  • wind loading on oil rig and flare tower arrangements;
  • improved ventilation in natural gas compressor stations;
  • modelling and feasibility assessment of site location and configuration for novel wind and hydro turbines;
  • optimisation of wind turbine designs;
  • energy assessments to minimise consumption and to identify opportunities for green energy generation, such as photovoltaic solar panels;
  • solar glare assessments for PV arrays;
  • renewable energy system impact studies for combined solar and wind installations near remote runways;
  • air quality assessments and approvals assistance for waste to energy (WtE) facilities;
  • optimisation and simulated performance assessment of thermal energy storage systems;
  • optimisation of combustion processes to reduce burner fuel consumption;
  • feasibility assessment of a proposed cogeneration facility; and
  • dispersion modelling from power generation and refining plumes for licencing and OHS purposes.

Simulated emission plumes for a set of three plumes showing the plumes overlapping.
Figure 2: Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modelling of emission plumes for a set of three stacks.