Wax deposit accumulation in a "cylindrical Couette" geometry

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.