Flow structures and operation complications in multi-phase subsea pipelines

Abstract

Currently, new oil and gas fields are located in deep water, in this view, a problem of secure transportation of the products of these fields from deep-sea water to the platform and shore occurs. Today, one of the widely used means of transportation of oil-gas products are the pipelines. Therefore, the research and prevention of the impact of troublesome cases of multi-phase flow in the pipelines are one of the main tasks. As a result of the studies carried out, it was defined that due to the relief of sea bed in the deep areas of the pipeline and on the curves with R radius of vertical tubes while lifting to the platform, the solid mechanical particles are settled at the bed. In such a case, as a result of pipeline damages, the leakages, which may lead to the elimination of benthos at the sea and pollution of environment, may arise. The paper analyzes the structural forms of multi-phase flow in subsea pipeline, their effect on the pipeline studied and troublesome cases appearing in the riser shown as well.