Introduction to a Novel Approach for Modeling Wax Deposition in Fluid Flows. 1. Taylor−Couette System

Abstract

A novel approach for modeling wax deposition in fluid flows is developed. Particle diffusion and inertia, shear removal, molecular diffusion, shear dispersion, and aging are considered as possible mechanisms in the wax deposition process. Among these mechanisms, particle diffusion/deposition plays the most significant role in formation of the deposit at the realistic transport conditions. The model parameters are estimated using some experimental data obtained by the organic solids deposition cell (OSDC) that was designed based on the Taylor−Couette system. The model predictions are then compared with the deposition data at other conditions. The effect of each parameter on the model predictions is also discussed. The estimated model parameters can then be used in the pipeline deposition model to predict the deposition rates under actual flow conditions in production and transportation pipelines.