Flow modeling of high-viscosity fluids in pipeline infrastructure of oil and gas enterprises

• Published in: Egyptian journal of petroleum 2021-12, Vol.30 (4), p.43-51
• Main Authors: Beloglazov, Ilia, Morenov, Valentin, Leusheva, Ekaterina
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: ANSYS; Flow model; Heavy oil; High-viscosity oil; Oil field pipeline; Rheology
• ISSN: 1110-0621
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpe.2021.11.001

•Model for transport of high-viscosity oil through the oil pipeline is developed.•Developed model takes into account rheological characteristics of high-viscosity oil.•Results of the simulation in ANSYS are in agreement with laboratory investigations.•Created model can be used to describe the flow of viscous drilling fluids in casing. Today, the issues related to solving the problem of finding an effective distribution of oil flows through the system of oil pipelines in order to reduce the total energy consumption are relevant. The solution to this problem is connected with selection of rational pumping modes for various technological sections of oil pipelines using modern methods of mathematical programming or new techniques for improving the energy and transport characteristics of oil. Reducing energy consumption during pumping of crude through oil trunk pipelines can be achieved by various methods. Numerous investigations in this direction are mainly carried out to save energy on separate single-line pipelines. However, due to the development of the network of trunk oil pipelines in the world over the past decades, the issues of energy efficient management of oil flows throughout the entire oil pipeline system of oil and gas enterprises become urgent. This paper analyses parameters for pipeline transport of high-viscosity and heavy oils. The article proposes a method for assessing the rheological properties of oil for further planning of pumping taking into account the preservation of oil quality and an increase in energy and transport characteristics. The proposed solutions and tasks for predicting changes in the viscosity-temperature characteristics of the flow for blends of different oil types are especially relevant in the current conditions of an increase in the share of oil production with complex rheological characteristics. Results of the presented investigations may be used for planning the measures of efficient transportation of high-viscosity and heavy oils.