Abstract
This is a mathematic model for the optimal operation of the gathering pipeline network and its solution provides this gathering pipeline network having a triple-line heat-tracing process, a method for reducing the operational costs and increasing economic benefit. The model consists of an objective function, minimum total operation cost, and 3 constraints including water temperature constraint at pipe nodes, inlet oil temperature constraints, and outlet water temperature constraint. By using a sequential quadratic programming algorithm, the model can be solved and a set of optimal mass rate and the desired temperature of tracing water are attained. The method is here specifically applied to the optimal operation analysis of a gathering pipeline network in North China Oilfield. The result shows its operation cost can be reduced by 2076RMB/d, which demonstrates that this method contributes to the production cost reduction of old oilfields in their high water-cut stage.
Highlights
Triple-line process has been widely used in early oilfield development in China
In the last twenty years, research has been mostly based on the optimal design of pipeline network [1,2,3,4] and the simulation of pipeline network [5,6,7], but seldom on optimal operation problems of tripleline process
On the condition that the triple-line process is not changed, research was carried out on optimizing the operation parameters of oilfield gathering and transportation system which had positive effects on cost reduction and economic benefit increases for those areas unsuited to the low-temperature gathering and transportation process
Summary
Triple-line process has been widely used in early oilfield development in China. With oilfields entering the high water-cut stage, it has become more and more clear that the triple-line process has the disadvantages of high energy consumption and low efficiency. On the condition that the triple-line process is not changed, research was carried out on optimizing the operation parameters of oilfield gathering and transportation system which had positive effects on cost reduction and economic benefit increases for those areas unsuited to the low-temperature gathering and transportation process. By solving the pipe element thermodynamic differential equation [9], Oil/water temperature at the end of the oil/water pipeline can be obtained as shown, where S1 ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ S5 are the areas of 5 heat transfer surfaces of unit pipe length, m2 Consider. Where Tz is the liquid temperature at the end of the oil pipe, ∘C. tf is the average soil temperature at the depth of pipes, ∘C
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