Crude Oil Fouling: Fluid Dynamics, Reactions and Phase Change

Yang, Junfeng and Jimenez Serratos, Maria G. and Fari-Arole, Damilola and Muller, Erich and Matar, O.K. (2015) Crude Oil Fouling: Fluid Dynamics, Reactions and Phase Change. Procedia IUTAM, 15. pp. 186-193. ISSN 2210-9838

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Abstract

In the present study, the fluid dynamics and phase behavior of crude-oil fouling in a closed-end heat-exchanger is studied. The deposition process associated with fouling is assumed to be due to two routes: asphaltene precipitation, and a two-step chemical
reaction. The SAFT-γ Mie theory is employed to describe the phase behavior of an asphaltene-containing crude oil system, which comprises pseudo-components (C13 ~ C20+). The predicted phase equilibrium constants are used to quantify the asphaltene precipitation rate. A computational fluid dynamics framework is then used to simulate the fouling process, accounting for the
multiphase flow dynamics, heat transfer, and the two deposition routes. Fouling is simulated due to the two routes individually and in concert. In the latter case, it is found that the interaction of the two routes is due to the fouling layer adhering to the heatexchanger walls, which influences heat transfer from the hot walls to the cooler oil in the bulk. The delicate interplay between heat transfer and fluid dynamics, which accompanies the flow, leads to enhancement and suppression of chemical reaction- and
precipitation-driven fouling, respectively, and an overall rise in the fouling rate.

Item Type: Article
Identification Number: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.piutam.2015.04.026
Dates:
DateEvent
2015Published
Uncontrolled Keywords: Crude oil fouling; asphaltene precipiation; heterogeneous reaction; SAFT-γ, fluid dynamics
Subjects: CAH10 - engineering and technology > CAH10-01 - engineering > CAH10-01-01 - engineering (non-specific)
Divisions: Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment
Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment > School of Engineering and the Built Environment
Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment > School of Engineering and the Built Environment > School of Engineering
Depositing User: Ian Mcdonald
Date Deposited: 04 Jan 2017 14:01
Last Modified: 22 Mar 2023 12:11
URI: https://www.open-access.bcu.ac.uk/id/eprint/3757

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