Investigation of Paraffin Deposits by Numerical Modelling Methods of Two-Component Fluid Hydrodynamics

The work presents the research of paraffin accumulation in a complex branched pipeline by means of mathematical modelling techniques of two-component flow. Paraffin represents a fluid with high viscosity factor. The computational domain was represented by a branched pipeline simulating the crude oil transportation system from several production locations to a central pipeline. A study of paraffin distribution within the flow was made on the basis of modelling. It was shown that the optimal inset angle between the pipeline and the branch pipe is 45 degrees so as to minimize paraffin deposits. On the basis of average paraffin accumulation assessment in ring pipeline cross-section the analysis of paraffin deposit height on main pipe walls was made. It was shown that oil side feed results in local paraffin deposit growth both at the joint and further downstream. The height of deposits decreases behind the inlet point on flow stabilization. For a stationary flow, paraffin agglomerates with sizes equal to pipe diameter can be observed. Generally, the approach applied in the work can be used to assess the effect of various local resistances on paraffin deposits within the pipeline.