Multi-Scale Modeling of Wax Deposition in Pipelines

0932968赫尔曼原油管道内的蜡沉积会严重阻碍石油开采，并可能导致油井产量减少。蜡沉积和老化（硬化）的内部管道表面上的沉积物的机制的基本理解是至关重要的最佳设计和实施的蜡清除技术。本研究采用多尺度模型结合室内实验的方法研究蜡沉积现象。智力优势：蜡沉积层的生长速率和微观结构的演变，预测通过耦合传热，流体和颗粒流动，并在微观到宏观尺度的动力学建模。在宏观尺度上描述了液体和多孔蜡沉积物内部的速度分布和传热，而在中观尺度上描述了蜡颗粒的成核、生长和沉淀。沉积物内微观结构演变的建模将提供关于蜡含量的信息，从而提供关于蜡存款的老化过程的信息。将在中国石油大学进行配套实验。在实验室中生长的存款层的形态将使用交叉偏振显微镜和差示扫描量热法进行分析。实验测量将被用来验证理论模型。更广泛的影响：这项研究将能够预测蜡沉积现象，结合计算和实验的方法可能会导致可应用于现场操作的比例定律。原油生产率可能会提高，而与生产相关的能源成本将降低。该项目将包括为学生和研究人员开发一个多媒体网站，以促进更好地了解原油蜡沉积现象。学生将获得全球合作的宝贵经验。来自代表性不足群体的学生将通过利用亚利桑那州现有的基础设施参与，包括科学和工程计划中的女性，富尔顿本科生研究计划和NSF赞助的西部联盟，以扩大学生的机会以及少数民族研究生教育山区国家联盟。

0932968HerrmannWax deposition inside crude oil pipelines can severely hamper oil recovery, and can lead to curtailment of well production. A fundamental understanding of the mechanisms of wax deposition and aging (hardening) of the deposited matter on the interior pipe surface is essential for the optimal design and implementation of wax removal techniques. This research investigates wax deposition phenomena by employing multi-scale modeling coupled with laboratory experiments. Intellectual Merit: The growth rate and microstructure evolution of the wax deposition layer is predicted through coupled heat transfer, fluid and particle flow, and kinetics modeling at the micro through macro scales. Velocity distributions and heat transfer within the bulk liquid and porous wax deposition are described at the macro scale, while the nucleation, growth and precipitation of wax particulates are described at the mesoscale. Modeling of the microstructure evolution within the deposition will provide information on the wax content and thus the aging process of the wax deposit. Companion experiments will be carried out at the China University of Petroleum. The morphology of the deposit layers that are grown in the laboratory will be analyzed using Cross-Polarizing Microscopy and Differential Scanning Calorimetry. The experimental measurements will be used to validate the theoretical model. Broader Impacts: The research will enable the prediction of wax deposition phenomena, and the combined computational and experimental approach may lead to scaling laws that can be applied to field operations. Crude oil production rates might be improved, while energy costs associated with production will be decreased. The project will include development of a multimedia web site designed for students and researchers to promote better understanding of crude oil wax deposition phenomena. Students will gain valuable experience in global collaboration. Students from underrepresented groups will be engaged by utilizing existing infrastructure at Arizona State including the Women in Science and Engineering Program, the Fulton Undergraduate Research Initiative, and the NSF-sponsored Western Alliance to Expand Student Opportunities as well as the Minority Graduate Education Mountain States Alliance.