Enhance flows of waxy crude oil in offshore petroleum pipeline: A review

In the petroleum industry, the transport of offshore crude oil via pipelines may suffer damage known as wax precipitation. This reduces the flow capacity of the crude oil, reducing its transport efficiency. Under extreme conditions, this may also result in serious damage to equipment. To help alleviate this problem, the petroleum transport and flow characteristics of offshore waxy crude oil in pipelines are investigated, together with the development of several options to help minimize wax precipitation. This paper reviews the current research status for reducing wax precipitation and enhancing crude oil flow in offshore pipelines. Specifically, reducing the viscosity of waxy crude oil, strengthening the process technology of the pipeline and the related flow mechanisms are each investigated. This paper also identifies and discusses areas of study that require further investigation.

Automated summary

This paper reviews the current research on reducing wax precipitation and enhancing crude oil flow in offshore pipelines, investigating methods such as reducing viscosity and strengthening process technology. Areas in need of further research are also identified and discussed.