Measurement of in-situ component concentrations and flow regimes in multiphase pipelines using electrical resistance tomography

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Mixtures of heavy oil, water and sand are often encountered during the recovery and processing of western Canada's heavy oil and bitumen reserves. These mixtures can be found in underground, horizontal production lines, in-plant transfer pipes and intersite pipelines. Many factors can significantly impact the throughput, operability and control of these lines, including: oil temperature, flow velocity, and the amount of each component. For example, any sand contained in the mixture is difficult to transport. In fact, the more sand there is, the more difficult the pipeline is to operate and the more likely it is that the pipeline flow rate will be reduced or even stopped altogether. Interestingly, experience has shown that extra water makes it easier to transport the oil but more difficult to transport the sand. Operators are always looking for a balance between these two conditions. The equipment purchased with these funds allows us to "see" inside the pipe as oil-water-sand mixtures flow past. We will be able to tell how much of each component is in the pipe, and where in the pipe has the highest concentrations of each component. Studies that we will conduct with this equipment will help us understand the ways that solids, water and oil interact as they flow in a pipeline. This will help companies design better, more efficient oil production methods and transport processes.