Numerical investigation of waxy crude oil paste melting on an inner overhead pipe wall

This paper presents a transient numerical study of melting waxy crude oil block paste on an inner overhead pipe wall at different water temperatures and flow rates. Computations are based on an iterative, finite-volume numerical procedure that incorporates enthalpy-porosity technology to simulate the phase change phenomenon. Temperature variations, liquid frictions, and temperature field structures at variable monitoring points were investigated. Results show that the initial temperature distributions is U-shaped along the monitoring line, with temperature decreasing gradually from the free surface of the oil to its interface with the pipe wall. The flow pattern has a significant influence on the melting time in its transition from laminar to turbulent, but has little effect after the transition. These results provide a reference for the hydraulic suspension transport process in waxy crude oil pipelines.