Models for Flow Efficiency Assessment in Oil and Gas Pipelines

Abstract Flow efficiency is largely affected by deposits and corrosion in pipelines. The purpose of this study was to develop models for assessing the effect of deposits and corrosion on flow efficiency in oil and gas pipelines to ensure production and safety. A new advanced analytical method developed in this study was employed. The data required involved in-line inspection data and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition obtained from the test pipeline. Samples used for the study involved the test and control pipeline laid parallel to each other. The resulting models were capable of predicting the flow efficiency as well as assessing the effects of deposits and corrosion with high accuracy indicated by an error of 3% when compared with similar field values. To reduce the effects of deposits and corrosion on flow efficiency, an optimal pigging frequency model was developed with results agreeing well with those from the existing literature