Abstract
Multiphase flow of oil, gas and water occurs in the petroleum industry from the reservoir to the processing units. The occurrence of heavy oils in the world is increasing significantly and points to the need for greater investment in the reservoirs exploitation and, consequently, to the development of new technologies for the production and transport of this oil. Therefore, it is interesting improve techniques to ensure an increase in energy efficiency in the transport of this oil. The core-flow technique is one of the most advantageous methods of lifting and transporting of oil. The core-flow technique does not alter the oil viscosity, but change the flow pattern and thus, reducing friction during heavy oil transportation. This flow pattern is characterized by a fine water pellicle that is formed close to the inner wall of the pipe, aging as lubricant of the oil flowing in the core of the pipe. In this sense, the objective of this paper is to study the isothermal flow of heavy oil in curved pipelines, employing the core-flow technique. A three-dimensional, transient and isothermal mathematical model that considers the mixture and k-e turbulence models to address the gas-water-heavy oil three-phase flow in the pipe was applied for analysis. Simulations with different flow patterns of the involved phases (oil-gas-water) have been done, in order to optimize the transport of heavy oils. Results of pressure and volumetric fraction distribution of the involved phases are presented and analyzed. It was verified that the oil core lubricated by a fine water layer flowing in the pipe considerably decreases pressure drop.
Highlights
The multiphase flow of oil, gas and water occurs in the oil industry from the reservoir to the processing units
For each case studied was associated reduction of the pressure drop with the energy efficiency and we found the interval in which the system can operate with minimum energy necessary to guarantee the fluid flow
Considering the simulations of oil and water single-phase flows, and heavy oil, water and gas three-phase flows, in curved ducts we can concluded that: a) There is a significant reduction in the pressure drop along the flow for the three-phase cases proving the efficiency of the transport of heavy oils using the core-flow technique; b) The maintenance of the water film along the flow becomes sensitive in regions where the geometry becomes complex allowing adverse situations such as variations of the velocity field and recirculation zones as in pipe with curvature
Summary
The multiphase flow of oil, gas and water occurs in the oil industry from the reservoir to the processing units. The Brazilian scenario shows that as light oil reserves are scarce, the production of heavy hydrocarbons is the only possible alternative future. In this way, we are looking for technologies that will minimize possible problems due to the production of heavy oil. Problems related to the fluid flow in pipes are found in engineering practice. Situations that seek information fluids flow through tubes, calculation of energy conversions, influences of variables such as viscosity, density and roughness are commonly found. As regards to the transport of this type of hydrocarbon, it can be stated that as high viscosity
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