The Calculation Method of Mixing Volume in a Products Pipeline

In order to improve the operational management of a products pipeline, we need to identify a suitable formula to calculate the volume of the contaminated product accurately when it arrives at the end point of the products pipeline. This paper presents a calculation method of mixing volume in a products pipeline. By combining the empirical formula of Austin-Palfrey with field data, we establish a new formula which meets the characteristics of the products pipeline. The flow characteristics and growth rules of mixed oil products are considered in the formula of Austin-Palfrey, but many influential factors are not taken into account, such as the structure and the terrain of the pipeline, the characteristics of mixed oil products in pumping stations and the distribution of the products along the pipeline. We obtain a group of coefficients from field data which are collected from a products pipeline. This new formula is proved by the validation of field data; it not only can improve the accuracy of the mixed oil products volume prediction, but also can be easily used for field application. This paper also discusses the relationship between mixing volume calculation and the terrain of products pipeline.