An approach for simulation of paraffin deposition in pipelines as a function of flow characteristics with a reference to Teesside oil pipeline
Paraffin deposition is experienced in pipelines during transportation of oil when the oil temperature is cooled below its paraffin deposition temperature. The formed paraffin crystals in the bulk flow are believed to be transported by molecular, brownian diffusion and shear dispersion. Gravity settling mechanism in previous work in the authors` laboratory has been shown to contribute to the total paraffin deposition, however, to a lesser extent than the above mentioned mechanisms. The work done here demonstrates that the paraffin deposition by molecular diffusion mechanism is a dominant one. This is in agreement with other previous studies done on the paraffin deposition. In this study, however, experimental design was made to quantify this statement. The paraffin concentration gradient (dc/dr) is the driving force of the molecular diffusion mechanism (where r is the pipeline radius). In pipelines the cooling rate is one of many factors that affect the paraffin deposition profile. Equipment was designed to simulate the flow characteristics at pipeline pressure. A three dimensional model was developed for paraffin deposition rates at various flow regimes. The developed experimental approach and the designed equipment for simulating the pipeline conditions are presented in this paper.
- OSTI ID:
- 113539
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-950207-; TRN: IM9544%%499
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: 15. international symposium on oilfield chemistry, San Antonio, TX (United States), 14-17 Feb 1995; Other Information: PBD: 1995; Related Information: Is Part Of International symposium on oilfield chemistry: Proceedings; PB: 785 p.
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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