Analytical approach to crude oil wax deposition predictions in pipeline

Wax deposition is one of the problems which are often encountered in oil pipeline transportation, depending on the Wax Appearance Temperature (WAT) of a particular flow stream. Although there has been some progress made over the years to understand this phenomenon, however, there are limited researches that can accurately account for all the factors that affect wax deposition especially in the wax simulators used presently in industries. This leaves a gap in research that needs to be explored thus making this research significant. This research was aimed at developing an analytical model for prediction of wax deposit taking into account both the thickness and positioning of the deposits within pipelines. A traditional equation of Pressure drop was modified and tested against an experimental model, and the Matzain model. Results from the new analytical model were compared to the results obtained from existing models for predicting wax deposition at flow temperatures of 150 C, 200 C and 300 C and they fell within accepted range. Hence, the new model can be used for predicting wax deposit points along pipelines.