Operation Optimization of Heated Oil Transportation Pipeline

Waxy, high pour point and high viscosity oil is transported by the heated oil pipeline. The power and fuel cost account for large proportion in total cost. Long distance heated oil transportation pipeline contains many pump stations and heating stations. In the condition of satisfying transportation amount required, the operators can formulate many operation schemes which are composed of different hydraulic and thermodynamic parameters. Determine optimal scheme is important to improve the economic returns and social benefits. Aimed at minimum power and heating cost, this paper proposes a heated oil pipeline operation optimization model with consideration of thermodynamic constraints, hydraulic constraints, pipeline strength constraints, pump characteristic constraints, temperature and pressure constraints at outlet and inlet of pump stations and heating stations along the pipeline. The model is solved by the combination of linear approximation method and simplex method. Based on theory research, computer program is developed. Finally, the practical application shows energy saving of the optimal operation scheme obtained is significant. The method and program are of widespread usage.