Project Overview
Location: Urumqi–Wushan Crude Oil Pipeline, Western Pipeline Network, PipeChina
Application: Long-Distance Crude Oil Transportation
Solution: DOD-E400H Drag Reducing Agent (DRA)
The Urumqi–Wushan pipeline is a key crude oil transportation asset within the western pipeline network operated by PipeChina.
The pipeline extends approximately 296 km and transports two different oil products sequentially, requiring stable flow performance under varying operating conditions.
As production demand increased, the operator sought an efficient solution to enhance pipeline throughput without additional infrastructure investment.
Technical Challenges
- Long-distance transportation over a 296 km pipeline system
- Complex hydraulic conditions with a crossing point near the 180 km section
- Sequential transportation of two different oil products
- Significant variations in fluid properties and flow behavior
- Need to increase transportation capacity while maintaining operational reliability
Pipeline analysis indicated distinct flow characteristics for the two products:
- Product A Reynolds Number: 41,871
- Product B Reynolds Number: 9,745
These varying flow regimes required a drag reduction solution with broad adaptability and stable performance.
DICO Solution
DICO Energy implemented a field trial using its high-performance DOD-E400H Drag Reducing Agent.
Based on comprehensive analysis of pipeline conditions, product properties, and transportation requirements, DICO Energy’s technical team optimized the injection strategy to ensure effective drag reduction across multiple operating scenarios.
The drag reducing agent was continuously injected at a dosage rate of 20 ppm.
Results
The field application delivered significant performance improvements:
- 22% increase in pipeline throughput
- Achieved target transportation capacity without pipeline modifications
- Stable drag reduction performance during sequential transportation of different oil products
- Enhanced operational flexibility under varying flow conditions
- Improved pipeline utilization and transportation efficiency
The successful deployment demonstrated the effectiveness of DOD-E400H in complex, long-distance multi-product pipeline applications.
Customer Value
DICO Energy’s drag reducing agent technology enables pipeline operators to:
- Increase transportation capacity
- Optimize existing infrastructure utilization
- Reduce operating costs
- Improve pumping efficiency
- Enhance operational flexibility
DICO Energy continues to provide customized flow assurance solutions for crude oil, refined products, and multi-product transportation systems worldwide.
Field Performance Evaluation
Key Performance Indicators
Pipeline Length: 296 km
Injection Rate: 20 ppm
Throughput Increase: 22%
Product A Reynolds Number: 41,871
Product B Reynolds Number: 9,745
Transportation Mode: Sequential Multi-Product Operation