Abstract : Models used to predict wax deposits overestimate the deposit thickness, and they require fitting parameters to match computational results to experimental data. A new approach is proposed. Waxy crude oil is considered as a viscoplastic Bingham fluid in which both viscosity and yield stress depend on temperature and quantity of wax crystals. Numerical simulations of the flow in a "cylindrical Couette" geometry were carried out. The numerical results highlight the influence of wax crystal content on the flow pattern, especially when comparing yielded and unyielded regions. A static layer region appears near the colder wall, representing the deposit.
https://hal-mines-paristech.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00521864 Contributor : Magalie PrudonConnect in order to contact the contributor Submitted on : Tuesday, September 28, 2010 - 5:01:41 PM Last modification on : Friday, November 26, 2021 - 6:06:16 PM