Impact of upward turbulent flow on wax deposition in heavy viscous oil pipelines: A numerical simulation

Abstract

Wax deposition in crude oil pipelines is a significant challenge that escalates under turbulent flow conditions. This phenomenon is initiated by the cooling of crude oil during its conveyance, causing wax constituents to solidify and adhere to the pipeline walls via molecular diffusion. This study embarks on an investigation of the impact of fluid flow velocity on wax accumulation in pipelines transporting heavy, viscous, and wax-laden fluids, such as crude oil. A rigorous exploration of this behavior was conducted, intertwining fundamental principles from fluid dynamics, heat transfer, and mass transport. The resultant complex governing equations were tackled utilizing numerical approaches. Our findings reveal a notable trend: an acceleration in fluid flow speed prompts an increase in pipeline wax deposition. The outcomes of this study bear substantial implications for pipeline management and construction, underlining the necessity to account for flow velocity to optimize operations, minimize maintenance, and promote cost-effective transportation of heavy, viscous fluids. This research initiates a critical conversation on the role of flow velocity in wax deposition, opening avenues for future investigations and potential mitigation strategies.