Wax deposition in oil pipelines causes reduced throughput and other associated problems. Periodical pigging program can effectively minimize the cost of wax deposition. This paper shows a typical pigging case study for a field pipeline subject to non-uniform wax deposition distribution by using a developed wax deposition model. The model prediction results prove that the wax is distributed in a short, localized accumulation along the first half pipeline. The resultant pressure drop along the pipeline was examined to reveal the effects of non-uniform wax deposition distribution on the pipeline production. In extreme case, the pressure drop of severe localized section increases by 50%, while this value between pump stations is merely 3%. A maximum wax thickness of 2–4 mm is used as a criterion to determine an optimal pigging frequency. The case study pipeline is recommended to be pigged at a frequency of 10 to 15 days, using by-pass pigs.
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2014 10th International Pipeline Conference
September 29–October 3, 2014
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Conference Sponsors:
- Pipeline Division
ISBN:
978-0-7918-4613-1
PROCEEDINGS PAPER
Identifying Optimal Pigging Frequency for Oil Pipelines Subject to Non-Uniform Wax Deposition Distribution Available to Purchase
Wenda Wang,
Wenda Wang
China University of Petroleum (Beijing), Beijing, China
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Qiyu Huang,
Qiyu Huang
China University of Petroleum (Beijing), Beijing, China
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Si Li,
Si Li
China University of Petroleum (Beijing), Beijing, China
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Changhui Wang,
Changhui Wang
China University of Petroleum (Beijing), Beijing, China
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Xi Wang
Xi Wang
China University of Petroleum (Beijing), Beijing, China
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Wenda Wang
China University of Petroleum (Beijing), Beijing, China
Qiyu Huang
China University of Petroleum (Beijing), Beijing, China
Si Li
China University of Petroleum (Beijing), Beijing, China
Changhui Wang
China University of Petroleum (Beijing), Beijing, China
Xi Wang
China University of Petroleum (Beijing), Beijing, China
Paper No:
IPC2014-33064, V004T08A004; 6 pages
Published Online:
December 9, 2014
Citation
Wang, W, Huang, Q, Li, S, Wang, C, & Wang, X. "Identifying Optimal Pigging Frequency for Oil Pipelines Subject to Non-Uniform Wax Deposition Distribution." Proceedings of the 2014 10th International Pipeline Conference. Volume 4: Production Pipelines and Flowlines; Project Management; Facilities Integrity Management; Operations and Maintenance; Pipelining in Northern and Offshore Environments; Strain-Based Design; Standards and Regulations. Calgary, Alberta, Canada. September 29–October 3, 2014. V004T08A004. ASME. https://doi.org/10.1115/IPC2014-33064
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