The researcher Nezia de Rosso and Professors Diogo E.V. Andrade and Cezar O.R. Negrão have just published the paper titled “Experimental Analysis of Waxy Crude Oil Startup Flow in Pipelines” in the renowned Journal of Pipeline Science and Engineering!
This study presents an experimental investigation into the startup flow of waxy crude oils in pipelines. A specialized experimental rig, featuring a 56.6-meter-long pipeline within a thermally controlled chamber, was used to analyze the effects of shear history, cooling temperature, and pressure conditions on startup behavior.
Unlike most studies that focus primarily on rheological properties, this research highlights the impact of compressibility and void formation during cooling, showing that pressurizing the pipeline reduces startup delays and alters the material’s behavior. These insights are crucial for improving the safety and efficiency of waxy crude oil transportation in offshore environments.
Link to the publication: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpse.2024.100251
