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The rheological properties of Prudhoe Bay Oil and the effects of a prolonged flow interruption on its flow behavior

Conference · · Soc. Pet. Eng. AIME, Pap.; (United States)
OSTI ID:5570030
The rheological properties of Prudhoe Bay oil, as with any other mixture of hydrocarbons, are markedly affected by the lowering of temperature. The TransAlaska pipeline traversing the state in a NorthSouth direction is subjected to severe ambient temperatures during the winter months. A prolonged flow interruption would result in inevitable heat losses from the trapped crude oil. The temperature decline would cause a significant alteration of the flow behavior. A fundamental heat transfer study and laboratory measurements were combined in order to forecast the rheological response and subsequent start-up requirements of Prudhoe Bay oil in gathering lines and in the TransAlaska pipeline.
Research Organization:
Univ. of Alaska
OSTI ID:
5570030
Report Number(s):
CONF-830312-
Conference Information:
Journal Name: Soc. Pet. Eng. AIME, Pap.; (United States) Journal Volume: SPE 11711
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English