Oil Transportation Process Research Articles

Research on Crude Oil Transportation Technology of Hu-Huan Pipeline in Huanqing Block

Abstract This study comprehensively analyzes the performance of the Hu-Huan-Huan Pipeline (Hu-Huan Pipeline) in the Huanqing Block under different crude oil transportation processes, especially the additive-modified transportation process and the blank oil transportation process. Through in-depth analysis of the properties of additive-modified crude oil, simulation tests, and hydraulic and thermal calculations, it aims to solve the transportation challenges of the Hu-Huan Pipeline under extreme environmental conditions and ensure the safety, efficiency, and economy of pipeline operations. Research results show that the additive-modified transportation process can significantly improve the fluidity of crude oil and enhance transportation capacity and safety. Adding an appropriate amount of additives can reduce the viscosity of crude oil, reduce internal friction in the pipeline, and improve fluid movement efficiency, thereby effectively reducing transmission pressure loss and increasing transportation stability. In contrast, although the blank oil delivery process is feasible under certain conditions, it has limitations under extreme conditions. The viscosity of blank oil is high and it is easy to form scaling on the inner walls of pipelines, which increases the frequency of pipeline cleaning and maintenance, and also increases operating costs and risks. By comparing and analyzing the performance of the two processes, the best transportation strategies and suggestions for Hu-ring pipelines are put forward. For the additive-modified transportation process, it is recommended to add additives appropriately and optimize transportation parameters to ensure stable transportation of crude oil and safe operation of the pipeline system. For the blank oil transportation process, it is recommended to clean and maintain the pipeline regularly to reduce the occurrence of scaling and blockage and improve the reliability and sustainability of the system. In summary, this study provides an important reference for the optimized operation of similar pipeline systems in the future. By fully considering the impact of crude oil performance and transportation technology, pipeline transportation efficiency can be effectively improved, operational risks can be reduced, and the safety and sustainability of energy transportation can be ensured.

EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATION INTO MAGNETORHEOLOGICAL FINISHING OF POLYMER VALVE SEAT SURFACE FOR BALL VALVE PERFORMANCE

A polymer valve seat is an essential component of ball valves. However, a gas pipeline valve leakage during the gas or oil transportation process causes major issues. Therefore, the fine finishing of the polymer valve seat is important. This work describes the effect of the magnetorheological finishing (MRF) process on the surface characteristics of the polymer valve seat. To achieve a finely finished polymer valve seat surface, the best process parametric combination of current, workpiece rotational, and tool rotational speed are obtained using the response surface methodology. The optimum process parameters are further used to enhance surface characteristics (including surface roughness, microhardness, and surface morphology) through fine finishing. Using the optimum process conditions, the surface roughness was reduced to 110[Formula: see text]nm from 570[Formula: see text]nm in 140[Formula: see text]min of finishing on a 4878[Formula: see text]mm2 surface area of the polymer valve seat. The circularity of the valve seat surface’s dimensional correctness is investigated further. The current MRF process can fine-finish the polymer valve seat surface consistently, resulting in improved surface characteristics and functional performance.

Reagent of Complex Action for Oil Transportation

Traditional methods of pipeline cleaning: scraping and heating of problem areas are quite timeconsuming and costly. Cost optimization in this area should be associated with the introduction of new high-tech technologies, as well as the use of effective domestic analogues of materials and components. Recently, the use of chemical reagents has become a method of influencing the rheological properties of the oil stream. It was found that solutions of the additive in toluene have optimal low temperature properties, which is obviously determined by its pour point (-95°C). The study of rheological properties was carried out at a low shear rate of 3.75 s-1, which corresponds to the starting loads on pumps of the oil pumping station, as well as in the range of shear rates at temperatures typical for gathering, infield and main oil transportation processes. Innovative methods for dealing with complications in oil transportation. Proposed by a number of developers, they are based on electromagnetic and ultrasonic treatment of the oil flow by stationary devices. Studies of dynamic viscosity during cooling in the temperature range from 70°C to minus 10°C made it possible to determine the depression of the saturation temperature of oil with paraffins in the presence of the developed reagent, which was 6°C, which reduces the cost of heating the oil-gathering header and infield pipeline when transporting oil in winter. At a low speed in the studied temperature range, the viscosity decreases by an average of 35%, which significantly reduces the starting loads on the pumps. This reagent may vary depending on the application conditions and reach 50% by weight. while maintaining the possibility of up to -30°C without preheating. The results show that the developed reagent effectively inhibits the formation of ASF in oils at economically reasonable concentrations of 100...200 g/m3 and is not inferior in efficiency to modern domestic and foreign analogues. On average, the intensity of the cleaning of pipes from the formed deposits will be reduced by 2.5 times.

Overview of Oil Sludge Combustion/Pyrolysis Utilization

With the development of society, the demand for energy is increasing day by day. Today, fossil fuels such as oil and natural gas are still the main energy sources in the world. During the process of oil extraction, refining, transportation, and wastewater treatment, a large amount of oil sludge is generated, which contains a lot of harmful substances that are difficult to degrade automatically. Therefore, international scholars have conducted certain research on the combustion/pyrolysis utilization of oil sludge and have achieved certain research results.

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF METHODS FOR MEASURING THE LEVEL OF LIQUIDS IN RESERVOIRS

Oil level measurement in reservoirs is an important process in the oil industry and energy sectors. This process plays an important role for regulation and control in oil storage and transportation processes, floating oil platforms, terminal and storage systems, gas and oil pipelines, or oil refining and technical applications. This article has discussed in detail the current issues and developments in the research and application of technology level measurements. First, the importance of technology level measurements and the main objectives in this field are clearly explained. The article included the analysis of the comparison technologies and the most positive and independent opinions were highlighted as a result of this comparison. The strengths and potential limitations of each technology are assessed, and readers are presented with a broad perspective for further stages of technology implementation. The article provides readers with the latest information in the field of technology level measurements, based on extensive and independent research, objective comparisons and forecasts of further technology development. This article provides readers with a detailed overview, starting with classifying the various level measurement methods and sensors and highlighting the independent aspects of each method and sensor. Our article reflects the experience of level measurement by capacitance-based, electrical, electromechanical, optical, and electromagnetic wave methods. The interrelationship of these theoretical positions and empirical data provides a basis for readers to better understand the topic and apply independent sensor options to other fields. Keywords: Measuring technologies, capacitance-based level measurement, laser method, ultrasonic method, Electrode-based level measurement, level sensors

Effect of Tip Clearance on Force Characteristics of Helical Axial-Flow Blade Pumps under Cavitation Conditions

A spiral axial-flow blade pump (SABP), as the core piece of equipment in the oil and natural gas closed-gathering and transportation process, can not only transport gas–liquid mixtures with a high gas content, but can also transport gas–liquid–solid mixtures containing small amounts of sand. However, due to the complexity of the distribution of transport media groups and the uncertainty of internal flow processes, large vortices often appear in the passage of the pumps, and the existence of vortices can easily induce the occurrence of pump cavitations. In the present work, a self-developed SABP was taken as the research object, and the cavitation performance of the SABP was numerically calculated. The pressure load variation under different tip clearances and different cavitation stages was analyzed, and the characteristics of the axial and radial forces were also analyzed in detail.

Three novel dendritic chitosan derivatives for inhibiting acid corrosion of petroleum pipelines

In the process of exploration and development of oil and gas fields, the acidic environment of oil reservoir, production and transport processes cause corrosion of pipelines and equipment, resulting in huge economic losses and production safety risks. Corrosion inhibitors were widely used in oil industry because of simple operation process and economical. In this study, three environmentally friendly corrosion inhibitors were synthesized based on the natural polysaccharide chitosan. Corrosion inhibition of three dendritic chitosan derivatives (We name them BH, CH and DH) on mild steel in 1 mol/L HCl solution with natural ventilation system was evaluated by weight loss experiment, electrochemical analysis and surface morphology characterization. The experimental results showed that when the three dendritic chitosan derivatives added in the corrosive medium were 500 mg L−1, the corrosion inhibition efficiencies were all more than 80%. Based on quantum chemical calculation, inhibition mechanisms of three dendritic chitosan derivatives were investigated according to molecular structures. The results showed that the benzene ring, Schiff base and N atom contained in the molecule were the active centers of electron exchange, which were more likely to form a film on the carbon steel surface, thereby slowing or inhibiting corrosion. The results also predicted the corrosion inhibition effect BH > DH > CH, which was consistent with the experimental conclusion.

Overview of the prospects for the introduction of ultrasonic oil treatment in the main pipeline transport

This paper considers the most common methods of pipeline transport of high solidified oil existing at the moment. The effects of treating oil with magnetic and electric fields are given. The positive and negative effects of ultrasonic treatment in oil transport processes are considered. The totality and quality of the facts requires much more in-depth analysis on a number of issues in this area because with a lot of positive effects are present and negative, which do not allow to implement.

Computational Fluid Dynamics Simulation of Oil-Water Batch Transport in a Pumpless Virtual Flow Loop

Summary Batch transportation of oil and water is a new transportation method in oil and gas gathering and transportation pipelines. Its corrosion inhibition effect has been preliminarily verified in a horizontal pipe experiment. However, achieving overall visualization in traditional loops is difficult, resulting in limited flow pattern classification and analysis of influencing factors. Combining the advantages of the traditional flow loop and the wheel flow loop, we introduce in this paper a round-head straight pipe loop and analyze the influence of key factors on the evolution of the flow pattern of the oil-water interface and the dimensionless length of the oil-water film (L~o, L~w) on the pipe wall through computational fluid dynamics (CFD) numerical simulation. The results show that the batch transportation of oil and water using the round-head straight pipe loop is more in line with the flow characteristics of oil and water two-phase flow in gathering pipelines. Three distinct three-layered flow patterns were identified, which are Flow Pattern I (oil-in-water in the upper layer, annular flow in the middle layer, and oil as the annular phase, water as the core phase, and oil-in-water in the lower layer, abbreviated as DW/O-AN-DW/O), Flow Pattern II (oil phase in the upper layer, annular flow in the middle layer, water as the annular phase, oil as the core phase, and oil in the lower layer, abbreviated as O-AN-O), and Flow Pattern III (oil phase in the upper layer, water-in-oil dispersion flow in the middle layer, and oil in the lower layer, abbreviated as O-DO/W-O). Additionally, parametric analysis reveals that the velocity of the rigid body (ν) has the greatest influence on the coverage rate of the oil film on the pipe wall, followed by the viscosity of crude oil. The density of crude oil has the least influence. The round-head straight pipe loop model offers an accurate simulation of the process of oil and water batch transportation in actual production pipelines. Therefore, the corrosion mitigation efficiency increases with the increase in oil viscosity when the viscosity of the oil lies within the range of 0.01–1 Pa·s. This increase is due to the formation of a more stable oil film on the pipe wall at higher viscosities. When the speed of the rigid body ranges from 0.5 to 1 m/s, due to the small fluid velocity, the erosion effect on the oil film on the pipe wall is relatively small, and the corrosion mitigation efficiency remains stable within a wide range.

Computational fluid dynamics approach for energy savings evaluation in core annular flow of a horizontal T-pipe

The application of core annular flow (CAF) has become an interesting solution in transporting heavy oil through pipeline because of its energy reduction and cost efficiency. At the same time, the CAF in pipe with hydraulic fittings and the problem of unstable CAF are the part of some big issues in using CAF techniques. This study intended to investigate the energy saving of CAF in horizontal T-pipe with symmetrical flow and diameter of 50 mm for oil and water system using CFD approach. Pressure reduction and power consumption were computed as the parameters to measure the energy saving of the flow system. The result of this study showed significant energy reduction of CAF with 94% of pressure drop reduction, for transporting the same amount of oil, when comparing to the traditional single phase oil flow. On the other hand, the intersection of the T-pipe was considered as critical region that promoting the change of flow direction and disturbing the existing CAF pattern. Thus, this study also proposed the strategy for returning the CAF during the process of oil transportation without stopping or restarting the flow operation. The geometry of the T-pipe was modified to facilitate the additional water injection at the intersection as a strategy to get back the CAF pattern. Consequently, the modified T-pipe with certain velocity of additional water injection was recorded to give important improvement of CAF application in terms of more stable CAF and higher pressure drop reduction (98%) compared to oil transportation without lubrication. This study also recorded the values of power reduction factor that indicating the cost of power consumption to transport the oil could be saved more than 80% than single phase oil transportation.

Cyber-physical oil spill monitoring and detection for offshore petroleum risk management service

Petroleum industry has started to embrace the advanced petroleum cyber-physical system (CPS) technologies. Offshore petroleum CPS is particularly hard to build, mainly due to the difficulty in detecting and preventing offshore oil leaking. During the oil exploration and transportation process, the remote multi-sensing technology is typically employed for emerging service. It can be utilized for leak detection by enabling the underwater modeling of an offshore petroleum CPS. However, such a technology suffers from insufficient remote sensing resources and expensive computational overhead. In this work, a cross-entropy based leak detection technique is proposed to detect the oil leak, which facilitates the understanding of the oil leak induced marine pollution. Furthermore, a hierarchical parallel approach is proposed on the super computer Tianhe-2 to improve the efficiency of the proposed leak detection technique. Experimental results on Penglai oil spill events demonstrate that the proposed method can effectively identify the sources of oil spilling with accuracy up to 100%.

Influences of asphaltene subfractions with different polarities on hydrate growth at water/oil interface

As a kind of typical natural surface-active substance, asphaltenes can not only lead to deposition and plugging accidents, but also affect the formation and slurry flow of hydrate during deep-sea oil and gas transportation process. This paper investigates the polarity effects of the asphaltene subfractions on the growth process of hydrate particles at oil–water interface. First of all, four asphaltene subfractions with different polarities were extracted by the solvent precipitation method. Then, the dynamic interfacial tension and dilational viscoelastic properties were measured to characterize the oil–water interfacial films adsorbed with the different asphaltene subfractions. Following that, the hydrate growth experiment was carried out using a self-designed atmospheric visualization unit. Specifically, the transformation process of a single droplet into a hydrate particle in oil phase containing asphaltenes was studied to determine the influence of asphaltene subfractions on hydrate growth. The change degree of particle morphology and the growth rate of hydrate shells were used as two analysis indexes. The results show that the change degree of particle morphology and the growth rate of hydrate shells were both affected by the dispersion state and interfacial adsorption amount of the asphaltene subfractions. Under the combined action of migration and surface covering, the asphaltene subfractions have different effects on hydrate growth process at various concentrations. At the concentration of 0.01 mg/g and 0.1 mg/g, a looser interfacial adsorption layer will result in a large effective interfacial area, i.e., a weaker mass transfer hindrance. At this time, the structural strength of the interfacial film is low. At the concentration of 0.2 mg/g, however, the transformation rate of the hydrate shells is accelerated owing to the trapped oil phase, so the structural strength of the interfacial film is enhanced. Therefore, with the increase of the asphaltene concentration, the hydrate particles are easier to maintain their original state.

Improving the efficiency, safety and manageability of oil transportation processes

The article is devoted to the analysis of the main opportunities for the digital transformation of an oil company, which are based on improving the efficiency, safety and controllability of production processes, obtaining additional economic benefits, and achieving leadership in terms of innovation. For the development and success of an oil and gas company, it is necessary to introduce measures to increase its economic growth, sustainability and competitiveness in the market. A key component of a business transformation strategy is digital transformation. The authors analysed the challenges for the digital transformation of the oil and gas industry: changing the importance of oil as an energy source, changing the market, business conditions, technology development, and environmental and social factors. The strategic directions for the development of digital transformation are considered and the main aspects of its roadmap are presented. The key success factors for the digital transformation of an oil company are identified.

Kinetic study of the thermolysis process of oil sludge (atasu-alashankou) with nickel, cobalt and iron deposited on microsilicate

The object of research is the process of thermal degradation of oil sludge in the presence of heterogeneous catalysts. The creation of efficient technological processes for processing the organic part of oil sludge into motor fuels, raw materials for petrochemicals and the disposal of microsilicate is an important urgent task, the solution of which will allow to obtain a significant economic and environmental effect. The problem to be solved is to establish the general kinetic laws of the process of thermal degradation of oil sludge in the presence of microsilicate with deposited metals. The advantage of the Ozawa– Flynn–Wall method is that it is possible to determine the kinetic parameters for each value of oil sludge conversion, that is, for different stages of thermal degradation. The activation energy of oil sludge 67.1 kJ/mol, and with a catalyst 59 kJ/mol are calculated for each degree of conversion (α), respectively. The value of the correlation coefficient was (R2≥0.997) provides good convergence with experimental results. Compared with other methods of thermal processing of oil sludge, catalytic thermal degradation has a number of advantages: relatively low process temperatures (400–650 °C), low sensitivity to the composition of raw materials and the processing process, which meets all modern requirements of chemical production. Regularities of thermokinetic parameters of thermal decomposition of oil sludge were studied using raw materials obtained during the process of oil transportation, in the presence of catalyst with applied metal (nickel, iron, cobalt) to microsilicate. Obtained results of oil sludge decomposition kinetics can be used in creating a database for mathematical modeling of process of heavy hydrocarbon raw materials processing

Experimental Approach to Monitoring the Degradation Status of Pipelines Transporting Hydrocarbons

Improve the reliability of the gas and oil transportation process is a primary objective of the pipeline designers because it interests the safety of the goods and the people, the availability and the performance of pipelines as well as the economy of the hydrocarbon transport. Corrosion is a present phenomenon that occurs inside and outside of buried pipes, causing the pipeline to be pierced, leading to gas and oil leaks and causes consequences of the major economic losses. In this context, our study focused on the corrosion monitoring of metals used in the transport of hydrocarbons by two approaches based on electrochemical techniques. Monitoring the evolution of the corrosion potential using an elaborated reference instead of a commercial reference electrode, and by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) coupled with the gravimetric method. The obtained results showed the efficiency of our approach for the realization of a corrosion sensor intended for the monitoring of corrosion in pipelines.

A Novel Model for Oil–Water Stratified Flow in Horizontal Wells With a Curved Interface Based on Dynamic Contact Angle

Abstract During the process of oil production and transportation, oil–water two-phase flow is a common occurrence. Well completion optimization and production design are greatly affected by the prediction accuracy of two-phase flow characteristics. In this paper, a novel model is proposed to predict the influence of interface shape on stratified flow. Dynamic contact angle theory and minimum energy method are introduced to solve the momentum equations with a curved interface and dispersed phase holdup in the lower water layer or the upper oil layer, respectively. When the Eotvos number is lower than ten, the interface shape changes from a flat surface to a curved surface, and the flow area of the upper water layer and the lower oil layer will increase and decrease, respectively. Results show that the dynamic contact angle and pressure gradient are greatly affected by oil superficial velocity, oil viscosity, and pipe diameter. By comparing the prediction with available experiment results, the validity of the model is evaluated. Results show that the novel model has an overall good prediction performance for the pressure gradient, with an average percentage error of 13.12%. While the average percentage error of Liu's model and two-fluid model are 22.89% and 34.98%, respectively. The novel model is a unified model that could be used to solve the problem with a curved/flat interface. It will also promote the oil well production design and horizontal well completion optimization.

Review of the Science behind Oil Spill Fate Models: Are Updates Needed?

AbstractOil spill models play an important role in the oil spill response decision making and contingency planning processes. The current generation of spill models mostly use Lagrangian based particle tracking random walk methods for oil transport processes combined with individual algorithms for oil fate processes (Spaulding, 2017). The fate of near surface oil movement is modeled using algorithms describing oil spreading, evaporation, emulsification, entrainment, dissolution, and biodegradation. These fate processes are applied to oil in the Lagrangian particle tracking elements to alter the physical and chemical properties of the oil, and subsequently the oil behavior.In this paper, we review the major algorithms used in oil spill models and identify the science and physics underpinning them. For each, we evaluated how far the science has advanced since the algorithms were developed to identify those that could be upgraded based on current understanding. We also identified algorithms where future research is needed because the physical and chemical behaviors are not fully understood. These areas include the spreading behavior of surface slicks, surface-slick emulsification, and the physical transport of small oil droplets near the air-water interface.

Development of extreme regulator of separation moisture from the gas stream

Object of study: Automation of control of technological parameters of the process of low-temperature separation (LTS) of moisture from a gas stream.
 Investigated problem: Improving the efficiency of the separation process when preparing gas for transportation through the consumption network. Development of hardware and software tools that provide automation of the process of regulating flow parameters under conditions of action of time-varying disturbances.
 Main scientific results: A criterion for controlling the LTS process of a gas flow is formulated. The difference in the dynamic characteristics of the processes occurring during the separation of moisture makes it possible to effectively use a two-circuit control system. The perspective of using extreme regulators (ER) of the process, which is characterized by time delays between the input of the object and its output, is substantiated. The use of ER ensures the stability of the control process under the influence of disturbances in the parameters of the gas flow.
 In the MATLAB environment, an ER model has been developed, in which a step-type algorithm is used, which provides an increase in the efficiency of the LTS process in accordance with the selected criterion
 The area of practical use of research results: The scope of use of the research results are automation objects that need continuous automatic tracking of the changing settings of the process parameters regulators. The studies carried out make it possible to use the proposed regulator in various technological installations for drying gas and air (with appropriate identification of the parameters of the object).
 Innovative technological product: Based on the formed criterion for controlling the LTS process, which is aimed at increasing the efficiency of the LTS process of moisture from a gas flow, a microprocessor-based step-type ER has been developed. Preliminary tests of the regulator show that it can be implemented on commercially available program logic controllers on the market.
 Scope of application of an innovative technological product: The considered ER can be used to construct control systems for oil and gas transportation processes, which require adaptation and optimization modes to flow parameters. In this case, the need for adaptation is dictated by changes in flow parameters over time.

Magnetic Internal Corrosion Detection Sensor for Exposed Oil Storage Tanks.

Corrosion in the oil and gas industry represents one of the major problems that affect oil production and transportation processes. Several corrosion-inspection technologies are in the market to detect internal and external corrosion of oil storage tanks, but inspection of storage tanks occurs every 3 to 7 years. In between inspection interval, aggressive corrosion can potentially occur, which makes the oil and gas industry vulnerable to accidents. This study proposes a new internal corrosion detection sensor based on the magnetic interaction between a rare-earth permanent magnet and the ferromagnetic nature of steel, used to manufacture oil storage tanks. Finite element analysis (FEA) software was used to analyze the effect of various sensor parameters on the attractive force between the magnet and the steel. The corrosion detection sensor is designed based on the FEA results. The experimental testing of the sensor shows that it is capable of detecting internal metal loss due to corrosion in oil storage tanks within approximately 8 mm of the internal surface thickness. The sensor showed more than two-fold improvement in the detection range compared to previous sensor proposed by the authors. Furthermore, the sensor of this paper provides a monitoring rather than occasional inspection solution.

Apparent wall slip effects on rheometric measurements of waxy gels

The effects of apparent wall slip on rheometric measurements of waxy gels are quantified for gels consisting of a macrocrystalline wax added in mineral oil in concentrations of 3.0 and 7.5 wt. %. The waxy gels are formed in situ in a stress-controlled rheometer, and rheological properties are then obtained. Seven different geometry configurations, including parallel plates, concentric cylinders, and vane, are employed. The surface roughness of the different geometries and wax crystals size are assessed to provide insight into the apparent wall slip phenomenon. In the presence of smooth surfaces, a decrease in approximately 80% in the measured yield stress value is observed in oscillatory tests, regardless of system composition. In addition, the storage modulus measurements are substantially different when obtained from smooth or grooved geometries. In creep experiments, the yield stress measurements decrease by 68%. As expected, apparent wall slip markedly affects the shape of the flow curves obtained, causing the appearance of kinks for smooth Couette geometry. Apparent slip velocities are calculated in the regime just above the yield stress, and it is found that for low concentrations apparent slip increases with concentration and decreases with the ratio between the shear stress and dynamic yield stress. The gathered results also demonstrate that the reproducibility of rheological measurements is improved by using geometries with grooved parts. By quantifying the effects of apparent wall slip on rheological measurements of waxy gels for different geometries, this work can provide useful information for the design of pipelines and oil transportation processes.