Session: 02-10 DESIGN - Hydraulic Modelling

Paper Number: 133676

133676 - Simulation and Optimization of Gathering Pipeline Utilizing Electric Tracing at the Pipeline Center 

Abstract: 

Onshore fully-equipped large oil fields have been basically developed, while scattered and low-quality blocks are gradually being developed and utilized. These types of blocks are characterized by low production, remoteness, scattered distribution, poor system support, and inferior crude oil quality. To develop these scattered blocks, the technique of placing electric wires inside the pipeline to heat the oil has been effectively applied. However, this heating method has a unique structure, lags in theoretical research, and exhibits poor accuracy in simulation models. Electrical heating conditions are variable, and operational management relies on human experience, resulting in high energy consumption for oil gathering. Initially focusing on this unique heating structure, a simulation model for electrical heating transportation pipelines was established, enabling the coupled water-thermal calculations for the pipeline. Comparing the model calculation results with field data, the relative error in hydraulics is within 10%, with an average absolute error of 1.09℃ in thermodynamics, and a relative error mean of 3%. Based on this simulation model, a mixed-integer nonlinear programming (MINLP) model was established with the objective of minimizing the sum of construction investment and operational costs. Constraints considered include station expenses, station modification, station reception and processing capacity, pipeline connections, station load ratios, pipeline flow, hydraulic, and thermal constraints. The model was transformed into a mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) model using piecewise linearization of nonlinear terms, and the Gurobi solver was employed for programming and solving. The solution results include operational parameters such as heating method (starting point heating or full-line heating), power, and temperature. Additionally, decisions were made on pipeline renovation plans, the reduction or consolidation of transfer and joint stations, achieving the optimization of the electrical heating transportation system. Taking a specific oil field in Northeast China as an example, optimization results show that employing point heating technology at all wellheads to heat the oil to the minimum transportable temperature, and then using electric heating along the pipeline at a specific power to maintain this temperature in the crude oil, can reduce the energy consumption of the electrical heating system by 16.7%. This leads to an annual reduction of 297,300 tons of carbon emissions.

Presenting Author: zhuochao li China University of Petroleum (Beijing)

Presenting Author Biography: China University of Petroleum (Beijing), majoring in Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering, mainly engaged in research on optimization of surface gathering and transportation systems for oil and gas fields

Authors:

zhuochao li China University of Petroleum (Beijing)
Jiaqi Xue China University of Petroleum (Beijing)
Ning Xu China University of Petroleum - Beijing Karamay Campus
Fengyuan Yan China University of Petroleum (Beijing)
Yi Guo China University of Petroleum (Beijing)
Shiyuan Pan China University of Petroleum (Beijing)
Yongtu Liang Beijing University of Chemical Technology
Zhengfang Xie Daqing Oilfield Company