The Effect of Thermal and Chemical Treatments on the Restart of the GNPOC Crude-oil Pipeline (Waxy Crude)

Abstract

The importance of this study arises from the nature of the Sudanese crude which contains wax. The crude gels when the line is shutdown for any reason. To restart a pipeline filled with the waxy crude oil, a sufficient pressure must be applied to break the gel and restart the flow. This research was conducted on GNPOC crude oil which represents the main crude in Sudanese oil export. It has essentially aimed at studying the effects of thermal and chemical treatments on the process of pipeline restarting with emphasis on two major factors: the yield stress and the pour point. The experimental work was completed in five stages; two for the thermal treatment and three for the chemical treatment followed by analysis of the results obtained. The study succeeded in determining a temperature range for the thermal treatment and a temperature range at which PPD should be added for chemical treatment.