Wax-Deposition Experiments Decouple Hydrodynamic Parameters To Aid Scaleup

Oil- and gas-production pipelines typically operate at high Reynolds number and low wall shear stress. Current wax-deposition-prediction models, however, were developed on the basis of laboratory flow-loop experimental data obtained at high shear stress and low Reynolds number. In this study, the effects of the hydrodynamic parameters are decoupled with specially designed flow-loop experiments. The results enhance understanding of the deposition behavior at various hydrodynamic conditions and aid in scaling up from laboratory to field conditions.

Introduction

Subsea production faces both fluid- and flow-based challenges, which eventually can lead to shutdowns, safety issues, and intermittency in production.