Abstract

The aim of this paper is to find optimal solutions for flow assurance of oil and gas mixture in an undersea pipeline. This study is applied to 25 km pipeline from the Ca Ngu Vang oilfield to the central processing platform number 3 of the Bach Ho oilfield. From the conservation equations of mass, momentum and energy, together with the theoretical basis of the flow regime, fluid properties, as well as pipeline geometry and properties, two simulations with different flow rates were developed: 1) Slug tracking simulation to predict the formation of slugs: frequency, length and surge volumes. The simulation results helped to find optimal solutions for the reception capability of the slug catcher; 2) Thermal hydraulic simulation to predict the evolution of temperature and pressure in the pipeline in order to help choosing the suitable pour point depressant (PPD) chemicals.