DESIGN CONCEPTS FOR HIGH-WAX CRUDE OIL PIPELINES

The discussion covers the general effects upon flow properties caused by wax in crude oil at temperatures less than 20 deg F above the pour point; the necessary curde oil laboratory data and field conditions along the pipeline right-of-way choices concerning maximum shutdown time, insulation or heating of the pipeline, displacement or dilution of the waxy crude, chemical additives, pipe wall thickness and high pump positive pressure, treatment of the crude oil in the field, etc.; and operating practices such as pigging to remove wax deposits on the pipeline wall, reversing flow during shutdowns to prevent gelling, and organization of maintenance for rapid repairs.