Experience of high waxy crude transportation through submarine pipeline in "Vietsovpetro" offshore oil fields
Abstract
At present, Vietsovpetro is operating a number of off shore oil fi elds in Vietnam, namely Bach Ho, Rong, Gau Trang and Tho Trang. Crude oil produced from those fi elds has a wax content ranging between 17-29% by weight, and a high pour point temperature of 29-36oC. Wellhead temperature of crude is very low. The transportation of crude oil with high wax content through long-distance submarine pipelines built without thermal insulation can cause many serious problems. The heat loss due to the sharp temperature gradient between the crude and the environment re-sults in the crystallisation of wax in the crude, with a subsequent wax deposition on the walls of the pipeline, which leads to reduction of the actualpipeline diameter, higher pressure drops, and the formation of gelled interlocking structure of wax crystals in the pipeline, leading to shutdowns. This paper will describe the characteristic complexities of Bach Ho and Rong crude oil and some experiences in gath-ering, processing and transporting high wax crude through submarine pipeline. The safe and continuous pipeline operation from Bach Ho to Rong and vice versa plays an important role in the operation of Vietsovpetro’s oil and gas fields and contributes signifi cantly to the achievement of Petrovietnam’s annual production plans.
References
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