Project Overview
Location: Lintao Oil Pipeline Station, Lanzhou–Chengdu–Chongqing Pipeline, Southwest Pipeline Branch, PipeChina
Application: Long-Distance Crude Oil Transportation
Solution: DOD-G350H Drag Reducing Agent (DRA)
The Lanzhou–Chengdu–Chongqing pipeline is a critical crude oil transportation corridor within the southwest pipeline network of PipeChina.
The Lintao section extends approximately 300.67 km and traverses complex terrain with significant elevation changes. Multiple pressure-reducing valve stations and crossing sections create challenging hydraulic conditions and increase operational complexity.
To improve transportation efficiency and reduce energy consumption, the operator evaluated DICO Energy’s DOD-G350H drag reducing agent under field conditions.
Technical Challenges
- Long-distance transportation over a 300.67 km pipeline network
- Significant elevation changes resulting in fluctuating hydraulic conditions
- Multiple pressure-reducing valve stations along the route
- Complex pipeline crossing sections
- Need to reduce operating pressure while maintaining throughput
Pipeline analysis indicated a Reynolds number of approximately 173,420, representing a highly turbulent flow regime suitable for drag reduction technology.
DICO Solution
DICO Energy implemented a field application program using its high-performance DOD-G350H Drag Reducing Agent.
Based on the pipeline operating conditions and crude oil properties, DICO’s technical team optimized the injection strategy to maximize drag reduction efficiency while maintaining stable operation.
The drag reducing agent was continuously injected at a dosage rate of only 3.35 ppm.
Results
The field application delivered outstanding performance improvements.
At the same pipeline throughput, the operating pressure was reduced from 6.05 MPa to 4.03 MPa, representing a pressure reduction of approximately 33%.
Compared with previously used drag reduction products, DOD-G350H achieved superior performance at a lower dosage rate.
Key benefits included:
- 33% reduction in operating pressure
- Stable throughput maintained throughout the trial
- Significant reduction in pumping energy requirements
- Improved pipeline operating flexibility
- Enhanced transportation efficiency under complex terrain conditions
- Lower total operating costs
The successful implementation demonstrated the effectiveness of DICO Energy’s DOD-G350H in high-Reynolds-number pipeline systems with complex topography.
Customer Value
DICO Energy’s drag reduction technologies help pipeline operators:
- Reduce pumping energy consumption
- Lower operating costs
- Increase system efficiency
- Improve infrastructure utilization
- Enhance operational reliability
DICO Energy continues to provide customized flow assurance solutions for crude oil, refined products, and complex pipeline transportation systems worldwide.
Field Performance Evaluation
Key Performance Indicators
Pipeline Length: 300.67 km
Injection Rate: 3.35 ppm
Reynolds Number: 173,420
Operating Pressure Reduction: 33%
Pressure Reduction: 6.05 MPa → 4.03 MPa
Transportation Mode: Long-Distance Crude Oil Pipeline