Innovative approaches to managing deposit formation processes in main pipeline systems
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33271/crpnmu/84.149Keywords:
main pipelines, flow reliability, wax deposits, asphaltenes, inorganic scale formation, nanotechnology coatings, smart sensorsAbstract
Purpose. To identify the key physicochemical, thermodynamic, and hydrodynamic mechanisms governing deposit formation in trunk pipelines and to develop an integrated system for monitoring, prevention, removal, and prediction of deposits during multiphase transportation. The methods. A multiscale approach combining numerical modeling, machine learning, and techno-economic analysis was applied. Experiments were conducted in a high-pressure loop with controlled temperature (40–80 °C, up to 100 bar, 0.1–5 m/s) using model fluids containing paraffin, asphaltenes, and water. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling of multiphase flow was coupled with neural network and LSTM models to predict deposit growth (MAE < 15%). System performance was evaluated through statistical validation and analytical assessment. Findings. In untreated systems, deposits reached thicknesses of 3.5–4.0 mm, whereas advanced mitigation methods reduced thickness by 58–78%: superhydrophobic coatings (~0.8 mm), nano-inhibitors (~1.1 mm), and AI-assisted monitoring (~1.45 mm). Predictive models identified peak deposition zones and reduced the annual wax flux to < 0.5 g/(m2·day). Compared with conventional strategies, the integrated approach is projected to reduce maintenance costs by 40%, energy consumption by 25%, chemical usage by 60%, downtime by 70%, and greenhouse gas emissions by 32%. The originality. The dependence of deposit growth on paraffin/asphaltene content, hydrodynamics, temperature gradients, and the composition of the aqueous phase was established. A predictive control framework integrating CFD, machine learning (neural networks, LSTM), real-time monitoring, and nanotechnology-based/eco-friendly inhibitors reduced deposition rates by 60–75% and significantly decreased maintenance costs, energy consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions. Practical implementation. The proposed system enhances flow assurance, extends pipeline service life, reduces environmental impact, and provides scalable solutions for sustainable pipeline operation.References
1. Sánchez Martínez, D. T., Kreuz, T., Ridens, B. L., Rahman, R. K., VasuSumathi, S., Ross, S., Underwood, J., Iyer, R., & Smith, N. R. (2025). Energy transport is a cornerstone of the energy supply chain. In K. Brun, T. Allison, R. Kurz, & K. Wygant (Eds.). Energy transport infrastructure for a decarbonized economy (pp. 7–43). Elsevier. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-443-21893-4.00009-X
2. Oliver, M. (2021). Pipelines. In International encyclopedia of transportation (pp. 463–470). Elsevier. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-08-102671-7.10286-6
3. Zhao, S., Wang, W., Li, Y., & Liu, C. (2025). Pipeline transportation strategy and key technological breakthroughs for high-quality development of hydrogen energy industry under the dual carbon goals. Journal of Pipeline Science and Engineering , Article 100391. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpse.2025.100391
4. Расцвєтаєв, В.О., Азюковський, О.О., Бабенко, М.В., Васильченко, Д.О. (2025). Шляхи коригування взаємодією елементів газоперекачувальних агрегатів магістральних трубопроводів для покращення їх ефективності в умовах температурних коливань. Науковий вісник ДонНТУ, 1 (14), 185–200. https://doi.org/10.31474/2415-7902-2025-1-14-185-200
5. Obiomah, O. (2025, December). Pipeline transportation of hydrocarbons . https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.21480.53760
6. Заболотна, Ю.О., Азюковський, О.О., Расцвєтаєв, В.О., Кучин, О.С., Бабенко, М.В. (2025). Концепція застосування сучасних геодезичних методів при проєктуванні та спорудженні перетинів магістральних трубопроводів із залізничними коліями. Збірник наукових праць НГУ, 81, 209–221. https://doi.org/10.33271/crpnmu/81.209
7. Rastsvietaiev, V.O., Haddad, J., Aziukovskyi, O.O., Pashchenko, O.A., Babenko, M.V., & Vasylchenko, D.O. (2026). Development and Evaluation of Combined Methods for Cleaning Paraffin Wax Deposits in Pipelines Oil and Gas Industry. Naukovyi Visnyk Natsionalnoho Hirnychoho Universytetu, (1), 50–57. https://doi.org/10.33271/nvngu/2026-1/050
8. Shukla, K., & Vishal Labh, M. (2020). Managing Paraffin/Wax Deposition Challenges in Deepwater Hydrocarbon Production Systems. In Paraffin – an Overview. IntechOpen. https://doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.83564
9. Olajire, A. A. (2021). Review of wax deposition in subsea oil pipeline systems and mitigation technologies in the petroleum industry. Chemical Engineering Journal Advances, 6 , Article 100104. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ceja.2021.100104
10. Sudakov, A.K., Pashchenko, O.A., Rastsvietaiev, V.O. (2025). Innovative approaches to the design and operation of tanks for gas and oil transportation. Інструментальне матеріалознавство: Збірник наукових праць ІНМ ім. В.М. Бакуля НАН України , 28, 74–88. http://www.ism.kiev.ua/index.php?i=75
11. Yin, D., Li, Q., & Zhao, D. (2024). Investigating asphaltene precipitation and deposition in ultra-low permeability reservoirs during CO₂-enhanced oil recovery. Sustainability, 16 (10), 4303. https://doi.org/10.3390/su16104303
12. Расцвєтаєв, В.О., Азюковський, О.О., Бабенко, М.В., & Васильченко, Д.О. (2025). До питання перспектив застосування індукційного нагріву у системах транспортування нафти трубопроводами. Науковий вісник ДонНТУ, 2 (15), 232–245. https://doi.org/10.31474/2415-7902-2025-2-15-232-245
13. Orjiocha, S. I., Eze, F. C., Salem, M. A. S., Bhat, A. S., Mehndi, R., Abugu, H. O., & Onwujogu, V. C. (2025). Plant-derived extracts for mitigating scale formation in pipelines and industrial systems: A review of status. Discover Materials, 5 (1), Article 201. https://doi.org/10.1007/s43939-025-00365-w
14. Rastsvietaiev, V., & Vasylchenko, D. (2025). Technological and Energy Advantages of Induction Heating in Oil Transportation Systems by Pipelines. Coll.res.pap.nat.min.univ. 82, 246–257. https://doi.org/10.33271/crpnmu/82.246
15. Aksoy, A. B., Uzun, F. N., & Balkan, F. (2026). Assessment of hydrodynamic losses and pumping energy penalty in corrugated pipes. Applied Sciences, 16 (5), 2219. https://doi.org/10.3390/app16052219
16. Расцвєтаєв, В.О., Азюковський, О.О., Пащенко, О.А., Яворська, В.В., Бабенко, М.В. (2025). Неруйнівні методи оцінки впливу газогідратів на міцність магістральних трубопроводів. Технічна інженерія, 2 (96), 322–330. https://doi.org/10.26642/ten-2025-2(96)-322-330
17. Stetsiuk, S. M. (2022). Experimental studies of the effectiveness of cleaning the internal cavity of pipelines with hyperelastic pigs. Oil and Gas Power Engineering, (2(38), 62–75. https://doi.org/10.31471/1993-9868-2022-2(38)-62-75
18. Li, W., Huang, Q., Wang, W., Ren, Y., Dong, X., Zhao, Q., & Hou, L. (2018). Study on wax removal during pipeline-pigging operations. SPE Production & Operations, 34. https://doi.org/10.2118/194010-PA
19. Liu, P., Li, J., Chen, X., Du, J., Huang, Q., Zuo, C., Tang, H., Wang, Z., & Wang, R. (2026). A review of wax deposition in waxy crude oil pipelines: Recent advances and future perspectives. Energy & Fuels, 40(9), 4406–4444. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.energyfuels.5c06407
20. Azhar, A., & Husin, H. (2024). Review on mitigation of paraffin wax formation using jatropha-based inhibitor. Platform: A Journal of Engineering, 8, 1. https://doi.org/10.61762/pajevol8iss2art27046
21. Bell, E., Lu, Y., Daraboina, N., & Sarica, C. (2021). Thermal methods in flow assurance: A review. Journal of Natural Gas Science and Engineering, 88 , 103798. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jngse.2021.103798
22. Zhang, G., Cao, F., Li, T., Sun, C., Guo, W., Ma, Y., Ren, F., Wang, Y., Si, W., & Ma, B. (2025). State of the art on prevention and control measures of thermal cracks in mass concrete. Sustainability, 17 , 11301. https://doi.org/10.3390/su172411301
23. Wang, L., Long, Z., Gu, T., Ju, F., Zhen, H., Luan, H., Xiu, G., & Tang, Z. (2025). Emerging pollutants as chemical additives in the petroleum industry: A review of functional uses, environmental challenges and sustainable control strategies. Sustainability, 17 , 8559. https://doi.org/10.3390/su17198559
24. Łach, Ł., & Svyetlichnyy, D. (2025). Advances in numerical modeling for heat transfer and thermal management: A review of computational approaches and environmental impacts. Energies, 18 , 1302. https://doi.org/10.3390/en18051302
25. Расцвєтаєв, В.О., Азюковський, О.О., Пащенко, О.А., Бабенко, М.В., Васильченко, Д.О. (2025). Термодинамічні та кінетичні аспекти формування газогідратів у магістральних трубопроводах. Вісті Донецького гірничого інституту , 2 (57), 7–14. https://jdmi.donntu.edu.ua/arkhiv-zbirky/
26. Інноваційні підходи до розвитку технологій та економіки. (2024). IADTE 2024 (384 с.). Свалява: ЗУНУ.
27. Расцвєтаєв, В.О., Азюковський, О.О., Заболотна, Ю.О., Яшин, Д.О., Бабенко, М.В. (2025). Оцінювання технічного стану переходу магістрального газопроводу «Шебелинка–Диканька–Київ» через залізничну колію. Збірник наукових праць НГУ, 83, 324–337. https://doi.org/10.33271/crpnmu/83.324
28. Qu, W., Chen, Y., Liu, S., & Luo, L. (2025). Advances and prospects of nanomaterial coatings in optical fiber sensors. Coatings, 15 , 1008. https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings15091008
29. Zhang, S.-w., Shang, L.-y., Zhou, L., & Lv, Z.-b. (2022). Hydrate deposition model and flow assurance technology in gas-dominant pipeline transportation systems: A review. Energy & Fuels, 36. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.energyfuels.1c03812
30. Savari, A., Eyvazian, A., & Singh, N. S. (2026). Dynamic loads on energy pipelines: Origins, mitigation strategies, and future research directions. Petroleum Research . https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ptlrs.2025.12.005
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
All articles are published under the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY 4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication.
Authors are permitted and encouraged to deposit the final published version of their article, or the Author's Accepted Manuscript (AAM), in institutional or subject-specific open-access repositories (including the university's own institutional repository, CORE, Zenodo, or Figshare), ensuring maximum visibility, accessibility, and impact of the publication.
