Computational analysis for wax detection in deepwater pipelines using nuclear techniques
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15392/2319-0612.2023.2193Palavras-chave:
wax deposition, gamma radiation, Monte Carlo methodResumo
Wax deposition along the extensive oilfield pipelines is a problem that affects the flow assurance. To solve it, one must monitor the wax formation in its initial stage. In this light, nuclear techniques are an effective alternative solution, as they can detect characteristics of materials or substances in an indirect and non-invasive manner. The present work shows a computational model using the MCNP6 (Monte Carlo N-Particle 6) code and the gamma radiation transmission profiling technique to detect different wax thickness. This fact is directly related to the attenuation of the gamma radiation beam when crossing the wax thicknesses.
Downloads
Referências
BORDALO, S. N.; OLIVEIRA, R. Biphasic oil-water flow with wax precipitation in subsea oil production pipelines. 4o PDPETRO, p. 12, 2007.
MATOS, S. F.; ALTOÉ, L. Analysis of deepwater oil flow assurance in relation to wax deposition. Latin American Journal of Energy Research, v. 6, p. 12-31, 2020.
PORTO, T. R. N.; LIMA, A. G. B. De. Transient flow of waxy oil in a circular section pipeline: modeling and simulation. Holos, v. 1, p. 155, 2017.
THEYAB, M. A. Wax deposition process: mechanisms, affecting factors and mitigation methods. Open Access Journal of Science, v. 2, 2018.
KOPTEVA, A.; KOPTEV, V.; MALAREV, V.; USHKOVA, T. Development of a system for automated control of oil transportation in the Arctic region to prevent the formation of wax deposits in pipelines. E3S Web of Conferences, v. 140, 2019.
LIU, L.J.; SCOTT, S.L. A new method to locate partial blockages in subsea flowlines. Society of Petroleum Engineers Inc, 2001.
CRUZ, D. E. Study of paraffin deposition in multiphase flow in pipelines. Rio de Janeiro: Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro, 2011.
XAVIER, F. M.; CAVALCANTI, V. D.; MANZELA, A. A. Challenges of flow assurance in the exploration of pre-salt fields. Revista de engenharias da faculdade salesiana, v. 3, p. 33-44, 2016.
CHEN, X. T.; BUTLER, M.; VOLK, M. Techniques for measuring wax thickness during single and multiphase flow. Society of Petroleum Engineers Inc, 1997.
WOO, G. T.; GARBIS, S. J; GRAY, T. C. Long-term control of wax deposition. Society of Petroleum Engineers of AIME, 1984.
AIYEJINA, A.; CHAKRABARTI, D. P; PILGRIM, A; SASTRY, M. K. S. Wax formation in oil pipelines: A critical review. International Journal of Multiphase Flow, v. 37, p. 671-694, 2011.
MAJID, S. A.; MELAIBARI, A; MALKI, B. Hydrocarbon scale deposits measurements by neutron moderation and capture gamma methods. Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research B, v. 119, p. 433-437, 1996.
MAJID, S. A. Determination of wax deposition and corrosion in pipelines by neutron back diffusion collimation and neutron capture gamma rays. Applied Radiation and Isotopes, v. 74, p. 102-108, 2013.
MARINHO, C. A.; COSTA, R. D.; SANTOS, E.; COSTA, A. K.; OLIVEIRA, D.; LOPES, R. Monitoring and quantification of scale using radiographic methods: scientific supplement. CONAEND&IEV2008, 2008.
BESERRA, M. T. F. Evaluation of scale thickness in oil extraction pipelines. Rio de Janeiro: Instituto de Radioproteção e Dosimetria, 2012.
SOARES, M. Scale detection system in oil transportation pipelines by gamma transmission technique. Rio de Janeiro: Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, 2014.
OLIVEIRA, D. F.; NASCIMENTO, J. R.; MARINHO, C. A.; LOPES, R. T. Gamma transmission system for detection of scale in oil exploration pipelines, Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research A., 2015.
LOPES, R. T.; VALENTE, C. M.; DE JESUS, E. F. O.; CAMERINI, C. S. Detection of paraffin deposition inside a draining tubulation by the Compton Scattering Technique. Applied Radiation and Isotopes, 1997. v. 48, n. 10–12, p. 1443–1450.
KOPTEV, V. Y.; KOPTEVA, A.V. Improving paraffin deposits detection methodology for better ecological safety during hydrocarbon transportation. International Journal of Applied Engineering Research, v. 12, p. 618-621, 2017
TAUHATA, L.; SALATI, I.; PRINZIO, R. D.; PRINZIO, A. R. D. Radioprotection and Dosimetry: Fundamentals. 10a ed. Rio de Janeiro: Comissão Nacional de Energia Nuclear, 2014.
JOHANSEN, G. A.; JACKSON, P. Radioisotope Gauges for Industrial Process Measurements. 1a ed. Chichester: John Wiley & Sons Ltd, 2004.
KNOLL, G. F. Radiation Detection and Measurement. 4a ed. Michigan: John Wiley & Sons Inc, 2010.
MCCAW, D. D.; HULBERT, V. G.; SMITH, A. E. Gamma scanning of large sieve tray towers. Atomic Energy of Canada Limited, 1975.
CARNEIRO JUNIOR, C. Development of an inspection system based on gamma transmission for application in flexible ducts and industrial columns. Rio de Janeiro: Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, 2005.
KOPTEV, V. Y.; KOPTEVA, A.V. Improving wax deposits detection methodology for better ecological safety during hydrocarbon transportation. International Journal of Applied Engineering Research, v. 12, p. 618-621, 2017.
LOS ALAMOS NATIONAL LABORATORY. MCNP6.1/MCNP5/MCNPX User manual. Los Alamos: 2013.
GOORLEY, J. T.; JAMES, M. R.; BOOTH, T. E.; BROWN, F. B.; BULL, J. S.; COX, L. J.; DURKEE, J. W. J.; ELSON, J. S.; FENSIN, MICHAEL LORNE FORSTER, ROBERT A. III HENDRICKS, J. S.; HUGHES, H. G. I.; JOHNS, R. C.; KI, A. J. Initial MCNP6 release overview - MCNP6 version 1.0. Los Alamos: 2013. p. 0-42.
SALGADO, C. M. Identification of Flow Regimes and Prediction of Volume Fractions in Multiphase Systems Using Nuclear Technique and Artificial Neural Network. Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, 2010
GOUVEIA, J. C. C. Critical engineering analysis for rigid pipes submitted to large deformations. Rio de Janeiro: Fluminense Federal University, 2010.
TUPER. API Pipes. Available at: < https://www.tuper.com.br/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Catalogo-de-Tubos-API-Tuper.pdf>. Accessed: September 25, 2021.
THOMAS, J. E. Fundamentals of petroleum engineering. Rio de Janeiro: Editora Inteligência, 2001.
MCCONN, R.; GESH, C.; PAGH, R.; RUCKER; WILLIAMS, R. Compendium of material composition data for radiation transport modeling. Washington, 2011.
DOBBS, J. B. A unique method of wax control in production operations. Society of Petroleum Engineers Inc, 1999
AUTOMERIS. WebPlotDigitizer. Available at: https://automeris.io/WebPlotDigitizer/. Accessed on: July 06, 2022.
Downloads
Publicado
Edição
Seção
Categorias
Licença
Direitos autorais (c) 2023 Brazilian Journal of Radiation Sciences

Este trabalho está licenciado sob uma licença Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Declaro que o presente artigo é original, não tendo sido submetido à publicação em qualquer outro periódico nacional ou internacional, quer seja em parte ou em sua totalidade. Declaro, ainda, que uma vez publicado na revista Brazilian Journal of Radiation Sciences, editada pela Sociedade Brasileira de Proteção Radiológica, o mesmo jamais será submetido por mim ou por qualquer um dos demais co-autores a qualquer outro periódico. Através deste instrumento, em meu nome e em nome dos demais co-autores, porventura existentes, cedo os direitos autorais do referido artigo à Sociedade Brasileira de Proteção Radiológica, que está autorizada a publicá-lo em meio impresso, digital, ou outro existente, sem retribuição financeira para os autores.
Licença
Os artigos do BJRS são licenciados sob uma Creative Commons Atribuição 4.0 Licença Internacional, que permite o uso, compartilhamento, adaptação, distribuição e reprodução em qualquer meio ou formato, desde que você dê o devido crédito ao (s) autor (es) original (is) e à fonte, forneça um link para a licença Creative Commons, e indique se mudanças foram feitas. As imagens ou outro material de terceiros neste artigo estão incluídos na licença Creative Commons do artigo, a menos que indicado de outra forma em uma linha de crédito para o material. Se o material não estiver incluído no licença Creative Commons do artigo e seu uso pretendido não é permitido por regulamentação legal ou excede o uso permitido, você precisará obter permissão diretamente do detentor dos direitos autorais. Para visualizar uma cópia desta licença, visite http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/