Numerical investigation of waxy crude oil paste melting on an inner overhead pipe wall

Abstract

This paper presents a transient numerical study of melting waxy crude oil block paste on an inner overhead pipe wall at different water temperatures and flow rates. Computations are based on an iterative, finite-volume numerical procedure that incorporates enthalpy–porosity technology to simulate the phase change phenomenon. Temperature variations, liquid frictions, and temperature field structures at variable monitoring points were investigated. Results show that the initial temperature distributions is U-shaped along the monitoring line, with temperature decreasing gradually from the free surface of the oil to its interface with the pipe wall. The flow pattern has a significant influence on the melting time in its transition from laminar to turbulent, but has little effect after the transition. These results provide a reference for the hydraulic suspension transport process in waxy crude oil pipelines.