PHYSICS

Gas R&D Institute to Speed Product Development, Improve Safety through Engineering Simulation

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ANSYS today announced that VNIIGAZ -- the Scientific-Research Institute of Natural Gases and Gas Technologies LLC -- has selected software from ANSYS for its research and development programs. VNIIGAZ is one of Russia's largest research centers and a division of Moscow-based JSC Gazprom, a gas exploration and production company with huge reserves. VNIIGAZ is using multiphysics simulation software from ANSYS to improve reliability and drive technological innovation in the pipeline equipment used to transfer oil and gas. The company also is applying Simulation Driven Product Development to simulate emergency scenarios in an industry that is especially hazardous.

In its research and development efforts, VNIIGAZ uses ANSYS structural mechanics, fluid dynamics and explicit dynamics analysis tools to perform studies on erosion and combustion, stress-strain analysis, strength and fatigue analysis, and studies of internal and external loads in gas pipelines. One specific application involves modeling the physics of equipment damage, thereby facilitating the development of new damage prevention strategies and technologies.

Extensive risk-assessment simulations are planned to explore scenarios such as gas explosions and the spread of fire to help maintain and improve operational safety at Gazprom.

"ANSYS provides the breadth of simulation tools we need at VNIIGAZ to ensure we can accurately account for the entire range of physics. By placing ANSYS technology at the foundation of our research and development program, we can reduce the number of full-scale experiments and lead time required to develop innovative technologies designed for extraction, transportation and gas processing facilities accident prevention," said Sergei Kovalyov, director of laboratory simulation of emergency processes at VNIIGAZ. In making its decision, VNIIGAZ considered how effective ANSYS technology has been at other oil and gas companies domestically and internationally.

"VNIIGAZ has not just managed to survive in our changing world, but its scientific input has allowed Gazprom to considerably enhance field projects and develop new technology. By selecting ANSYS software, VNIIGAZ recognizes the value of Simulation Driven Product Development in reducing costs and development timelines while delivering better products and processes -- whether that applies to extended production, transportation improvement, higher reliability or safer operations," said Ahmad Haidari, director, industry marketing at ANSYS, Inc.

ANSYS channel partner ZAO EMT R was instrumental in the implementation of ANSYS technology at VNIIGAZ and will provide high-level technical support and maintenance to the research division.