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Evaluation of Velocity Impact on Sand Particles in Two-Phase Annular Flow in Horizontal Pipes
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 2, December 2021
Pages:
32-43
Received:
24 February 2021
Accepted:
22 March 2021
Published:
18 August 2021
Abstract: Experimental investigations on sand particles in annular flow in horizontal pipes were presented. The aim is to enhance the knowledge related to sand transportation in the oil and gas industry. More so, to add values in facilitating the optimum design of oil and gas production systems where annular flow is often encountered. The experimental investigations were conducted using a closed-loop consisting of a horizontal pipe with an internal diameter of 2-inch (0.0504m). The experimental investigations covered both: water/sand flow and water/air/sand annular flow. The water/sand flow experiments were carried out to establish sand transport regime in liquid such as sand saltation, sand streak, and sand suspension. While, water/air/sand annular flow experiments revealed that the only the only sand transport regime in annular flow are saltation and suspension. Sand concentration profile in the annular flows were also estimated by using the sampling method. It was found that the bigger the sand particle size (500microns) leads to higher concentration of sand being transported at the bottom of the pipe because of gravity effect, while the smaller the sand particle size (212microns), leads to the higher sand concentration. Also, the sand concentration increased at the gas core as the superficial gas velocity increases.
Abstract: Experimental investigations on sand particles in annular flow in horizontal pipes were presented. The aim is to enhance the knowledge related to sand transportation in the oil and gas industry. More so, to add values in facilitating the optimum design of oil and gas production systems where annular flow is often encountered. The experimental invest...
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Prospects of Breaking Crude Oil Emulsions Using Demulsifier Formulated from Nicotiana tabacum Seed Oil, Leaf Extracts, and Stalk Ash Extracts
Azuokwu Augustine Azubike,
Eiroboyi Itohan
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 2, December 2021
Pages:
44-53
Received:
20 July 2021
Accepted:
30 July 2021
Published:
23 August 2021
Abstract: The presence of crude oil emulsions in oil production and processing systems has been a great concern to industry worldwide. Several methods are available for breaking crude oil emulsions; however, Chemical method is the common demulsification method. Fossil-based materials are mainly used to develop these demulsifiers. Given the recent environmental and sustainability concerns, focus has shifted to the use of bio-based materials like agricultural plant extracts as alternatives to fossil-based demulsifiers. In this study, the prospects of breaking crude oil emulsions using demulsifiers produced from Nicotiana tabacum seed oil, leaf extracts, and stalk ash were evaluated. The study is based on the need for local production of demulsifiers in Nigeria, the need for more environmentally friendly and sustainable operations; and the need to put Nicotiana tabacum into alternative use due to its associated health hazards when consumed and its massive cultivation. The results of the physiochemical properties of Nicotiana tabacum seed oil; the phytochemical analysis of Nicotiana tabacum leaf extracts, and the potash concentrations of Nicotiana tabacum stalk ash extract showed the presence of hydrophilic and hydrophobic components of demulsifiers. The properties of the formulated demulsifier are similar to those of the commercial demulsifiers. The bottle tests results showed that the formulated demulsifier is capable of breaking medium and high-density crude oil emulsions. Hence, the formulated demulsifier performed comparably to the commercial demulsifiers.
Abstract: The presence of crude oil emulsions in oil production and processing systems has been a great concern to industry worldwide. Several methods are available for breaking crude oil emulsions; however, Chemical method is the common demulsification method. Fossil-based materials are mainly used to develop these demulsifiers. Given the recent environment...
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Performance of Poly Vinyl Caprolactam as Hydrate Inhibitor in a Prototype Horizontal Subsea Flowline
Toyin Olabisi Odutola,
Okomo Felicia
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 2, December 2021
Pages:
54-59
Received:
22 July 2021
Accepted:
3 August 2021
Published:
30 September 2021
Abstract: Hydrate formation in horizontal subsea flowlines can pose serious issues during petroleum production. In this study, a 12 meters laboratory flowline that closely mimics the conditions in a horizontal flowline is used to analyse Poly Vinyl Caprolactam's performance (PVCap) as a hydrate inhibitor. The 1/2inch diameter 12meter closed laboratory loop is immersed in a 4inch insulated PVC pipe containing cold water, simulating the offshore pipeline surrounded by cold water. Compressed natural gas comprising methane and carbon dioxide is fed into the hydrate loop and some water. The loop was pressurised to 150psia using compressed natural gas temperature, and pressure along the loop was observed using the several temperatures and pressure gauges around the loop. It was observed that a pressure decline in the loop indicated hydrate formation in the constant volume batch experiment conducted for two hours. The effect of 0.01wt%, 0.2wt%, 0.03wt%, 0.04wt%, 0.09wt% and 0.1wt% of PVCap was also studied. A reduction in the loop pressure indicated how much gas was used up in forming hydrates. As the concentration of PVCap increased, the volume of gas used up reduced, implying that hydrate formation reduced with increasing PVCap concentration. The optimum concentration in the study considered is 0.1wt%PVCap. PVCap performed optimally in preventing hydrate formation in the simulated subsea horizontal pipeline.
Abstract: Hydrate formation in horizontal subsea flowlines can pose serious issues during petroleum production. In this study, a 12 meters laboratory flowline that closely mimics the conditions in a horizontal flowline is used to analyse Poly Vinyl Caprolactam's performance (PVCap) as a hydrate inhibitor. The 1/2inch diameter 12meter closed laboratory loop i...
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Hydrate Inhibition in the Niger Delta Using Plant Polymer as a Local Kinetic Hydrate Inhibitor
Odutola Toyin Olabisi,
Utobivbi Prosper
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 2, December 2021
Pages:
60-67
Received:
3 September 2021
Accepted:
22 September 2021
Published:
5 October 2021
Abstract: Offshore production activities have increased in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria due to available technology to produce petroleum fluids from reservoirs that lie thousands of feet below the waterbed. However, Offshore production in Nigeria is still being plagued by flow assurance challenges such as hydrate formation. In this study, the effect of Niger delta seawater salinity on hydrate prevention is evaluated. The efficiency of a locally sourced kinetic hydrate inhibitor (KHI) is also assessed. The experimental study was conducted in a 12-meter horizontal hydrate flow loop designed to model a horizontal subsea flowline. A sample of Niger delta seawater and compressed natural gas were used as the hydrate formers, and the loop was conditioned to hydrate formation conditions. Although the salinity of the seawater was 26.18ppt, hydrates still formed in the loop, as indicated by a rise in temperature and a rapid decline in loop pressure. Further experiments were conducted using the plant polymer with concentrations varying from 0.01wt% to 0.1wt%. The optimum concentration of the polymer was found to be 0.03wt%. Seawater salinity is not sufficient in preventing hydrate formation in the Niger Delta region. Operators should plan to use KHI to enhance the inhibitive property of the seawater and formation water. The optimum dosage of inhibitor should be used to minimise production cost.
Abstract: Offshore production activities have increased in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria due to available technology to produce petroleum fluids from reservoirs that lie thousands of feet below the waterbed. However, Offshore production in Nigeria is still being plagued by flow assurance challenges such as hydrate formation. In this study, the effect of ...
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