Project Overview
Location: Qingxian Oil Pipeline, Second Oil Pipeline Division, Changqing Oilfield, China
Application: Crude Oil Pipeline Transportation
Solution: DICO Energy Pipeline Drag Reducing Agent (DRA)
The Qingxian crude oil pipeline is a key transportation asset operated by the Second Oil Pipeline Division of Changqing Oilfield.
The pipeline extends approximately 224 km and includes multiple hydraulic constraints, including several crossing sections and nine pressure relief valve chambers distributed along the route.
As crude oil production increased, the operator required a cost-effective solution to enhance pipeline throughput without major infrastructure modifications.
Technical Challenges
- Long-distance transportation over a 224 km pipeline network
- Complex operating conditions with multiple crossing points
- Nine pressure relief valve chambers affecting flow stability
- Increasing demand for higher transportation capacity
- Need to improve efficiency while minimizing operational costs
Pipeline analysis indicated a Reynolds number of approximately 24,438, confirming a turbulent flow regime suitable for drag reduction technology.
DICO Energy Solution
DICO Energy implemented a field trial using its proprietary crude oil drag reducing agent (DRA) technology.
The drag reducing agent was continuously injected into the pipeline at a dosage rate of 10 ppm.
Based on the pipeline characteristics and operating conditions, DICO’s technical team optimized the injection strategy to maximize drag reduction efficiency throughout the transportation system.
Results
The field trial delivered significant operational improvements:
- 28% increase in pipeline throughput
- Effective drag reduction performance at a dosage rate of only10 ppm
- Sustained drag reduction effect observed as far as the eighth pressure relief valve chamber
- Improved flow efficiency across the entire pipeline system
- Reduced energy consumption per unit of transported crude oil
- Enhanced operational flexibility without additional capital investment
The successful implementation demonstrated the effectiveness of DICO Energy’s drag reduction technology in long-distance crude oil transportation applications.
Customer Value
DICO Energy’s drag reducing agent technology enables pipeline operators to:
- Increase transportation capacity
- Optimize pumping efficiency
- Reduce operating costs
- Improve asset utilization
- Extend the performance of existing infrastructure
DICO Energy continues to provide customized flow assurance solutions for crude oil, refined products, and multiphase transportation systems worldwide.
Field Performance Evaluation
Key Performance Indicators
Pipeline Length: 224 km
Injection Rate: 10 ppm
Flow Regime Reynolds Number: 24,438
Throughput Increase: 28%
Pressure Relief Valve Chambers: 9