Effect of flow and physical parameters on the wax deposition of Middle East crude oil under subsea condition: heat transfer viewpoint

Abstract

Change in pressure, temperature, flow rate and concentration of oil causes precipitation and deposition of wax particles in the pipelines which has become a major problem for oil industries. By decreasing the capacity and economic efficiency of land oil reserves, demand for offshore reserves increases. Change in temperature in subsea pipelines is more possible and so the wax deposition happens under this condition more. Low water temperature and subsea condition change overall heat transfer coefficient and heat transfer rate in pipe cross-section which affects the wax transportation from bulk fluid to the wall. In this study, the effects of temperature, flow rate and oil characteristic in different pipeline diameters on Middle East oil which covers the most oil reserves of the world have been investigated under Persian Gulf water condition. Higher inlet temperature postpone the wax deposition to far locations and higher flow rate causes lower wax thickness in first stages of pipe and higher wax thickness after passing the first stage.