Modeling of deposit accumulation processes
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33271/crpnmu/85.114Keywords:
trunk pipelines, deposit formation, modeling, wax appearance temperature, asphaltene deposition, predictive flow assurance, hybrid cleaning optimizationAbstract
Purpose. To develop a mathematical model for predicting the spatiotemporal accumulation of paraffin, asphaltene, mineral, and corrosion deposits in trunk pipelines and an integrated system for their prevention, removal, and predictive control, reducing flow assurance risks, energy losses, and operating costs. The methods. CFD modeling based on the Navier-Stokes equations was combined with thermodynamic and kinetic deposition models in ANSYS Fluent/OpenFOAM using laboratory and field data. Sensitivity and Monte Carlo analyses assessed key parameters, while control strategies included chemical inhibition, pigging, thermal flushing, and optimized predictive scheduling. Findings. Simulations predict deposit thicknesses of 8–18 mm after 180–365 days, with maximum accumulation occurring 40–70 km downstream due to cooling below the wax appearance temperature (WAT). Initial deposition fluxes of 0.8–6 g/(m2·day) decrease over time because of deposit aging and shear stripping. Organic deposits contain 45–75 wt% paraffins and 10–30 wt% asphaltenes, while inorganic fractions reach 15–45 wt%. The optimized hybrid strategy reduces pigging frequency by 40–65%, pumping energy losses by 28–35%, remediation and downtime costs by 40–55%, and corrosion rates by up to 50%, while maintaining 92–98% of design throughput. The originality. Dependences of deposit formation intensity on temperature, flow velocity, fluid composition, wall roughness, and inhibitor efficiency were established using coupled CFD and thermokinetic modeling. Deposition aging patterns and zones of maximum accumulation under cooling below WAT were identified, and an adaptive predictive control algorithm for cleaning processes was developed. Practical implementation. The proposed system enables predictive, risk-based flow assurance management, reducing chemical use, maintenance interventions, energy losses, shutdowns, and environmental risks while improving pipeline integrity and sustainability.References
1. Govindarajan, S.K. (2026). Digital transformation in oil and gas industry: Strategic choices dominate over technology? https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.29323.96804
2. Hadzihafizovic, D. (2026). Pumps in oilfield . SSRN Electronic Journal . https://doi.org/10.2139/ ssrn.6214441
3. Folorunso, T., Ojo, O., Gajibo, H., Salawu, A., Nwagbo, K., & Adesokan, I. (2025). Design and engineering of an early production and mini-gas processing facility for 1000 BOPD and 15 MMSCFD natural gas: An XYZ marginal field strategy . https://doi.org/10.2118/228797-MS
4. Adesida, O., & Shittu, I. (2025). Mitigating gas flaring in Nigeria through enhanced gas processing: Evaluating the potential of Fischer-Tropsch gas-to-liquids technology . https://doi.org/10.2118/228646-MS
5. 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
6. Elnourani, M., Elhag, H., Alasad, W., & Bashier, M. (2024). Khartoum war's echoes in oil and energy sectors: Economic and environmental implications for Sudan and South Sudan . Heliyon, 10 , e34739. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e34739
7. Rasulov, S. R., Nabiyev, E., & Heybatov, A. (2022). Analytical investigation of the problems ofsalting and corrosion in oil and gas complex . PAHTEI-Proceedings of Azerbaijan High Technical Educational Institutions, 14 , 101–116. https://doi.org/10.36962/PAHTEI14032022-101
8. 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
9. Garner, S., Juyal, P., Hart, C., Podgorski, D., McKenna, A., Ziglio, C., Rodgers, R., Allenson, S., & Marshall, A. (2011). Analysis and comparison of paraffinic field deposits to cold finger deposits on a Brazilian Campos Basin crude oil . https://doi.org/10.4043/22660-MS
10. 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
11. Kamil, M. S., & Harmantoro, A. (2025). Simplified flow assurance review for offshore pipelines in operation stage . Paper presented at the SPE/IATMI Asia Pacific Oil & Gas Conference and Exhibition, Jakarta, Indonesia. https://doi.org/10.2118/226518-MS
12. 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
13. Song, G., Deng, L., Wang, W., Li, Y., & Zhang, Z. (2026). Research on pipeline hydrate deposition monitoring based on radio frequency theory . SSRN. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.6178792
14. 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/
15. Silvia, S. (2024, February). Case study: Automated recommendations to increase run life of the electrical submersible pumps (ESPs) using machine learning . Paper presented at the International Petroleum Technology Conference, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. https://doi.org/10.2523/ IPTC-23971-EA
16. 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
17. 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
18. Frenier, W. W., & Williamson, R. B. (n.d.). Chemical and mechanical methods for pipeline integrity . Society of Petroleum Engineers. https://doi.org/10.2118/9781613994962
19. 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
20. Eroini, V., Anfindsen, H., & Mitchell, A. F. (2015, April). Investigation, classification and remediation of amorphous deposits in oilfield systems . Paper presented at the SPE International Symposium on Oilfield Chemistry, The Woodlands, Texas, USA. https://doi.org/10.2118/173719-MS
21. Lake, L. W., & Arnold, K. E. (n.d.). Facilities and construction engineering . Society of Petroleum Engineers. https://doi.org/10.2118/9781555631161
22. Rastsvietaiev, V.O. (2026). Research on the Mechanisms of Deposit Formation and Development of a Comprehensive System for Combating Them in Trunk Pipelines. Науковий вісник ДонНТУ, 2 (17), 18–28. https://doi.org/10.31474/2415-7902-2026-2-17-18-28
23. Nyah, F., Ridzuan, N., Aziz, M. A. B., Gbonhinbor, J., Money, B., Nwaichi, P. I., Ummuawuike, C., David, A., & Agi, A. (2025, August). Cutting-edge strategies for flow assurance and multiphase flow management in modern oil and gas operations . Paper presented at the SPE Nigeria Annual International Conference and Exhibition, Lagos, Nigeria. https://doi.org/10.2118/228644-MS
24. Rastsvietaiev, V., Aziukovskyi, O., Babenko, M., Vasylchenko, D., & Yashyn, D. (2026). Innovative Approaches to Managing Deposit Formation Processes in Main Pipeline Systems. Collection of Research Paper of National Mining University, 84, 149–160. https://doi.org/10.33271/crpnmu/84.149
25. Lake, L. W., & Clegg, J. D. (n.d.). Production operations engineering . Society of Petroleum Engineers. https://doi.org/10.2118/9781555631185
26. Расцвєтаєв, В. О., Яворська, В. В., Васильченко, Д. О., Яшин, Д. О., & Коровяка, М. Є. (2026). Обґрунтування технологічних рішень щодо методів прогнозування та контролю відкладень у магістральних трубопроводах. Технічна інженерія, 1 (97), 498–506. https://doi.org/10.26642/ten-2026-1(97)-498-506
27. Seguin, B., de Roux, G., & Louvet, E. (2016). Field development cost optimization: A SURF contractor's experience and perspective . Paper presented at the Offshore Technology Conference Asia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. https://doi.org/10.4043/26533-MS
28. Gogoi, U., Ravoof, A., & Sankara, K. (2025). Digital twin-enabled automated well management and flow advisory for underground gas storage (UGS) systems . Paper presented at the SPE Annual Caspian Technical Conference and Exhibition, Baku, Azerbaijan. https://doi.org/10.2118/230335-MS
29. Natta, A., Tiozzo, A., Montini, M., Hester, K. C., & Di Lullo, A. G. (2024). Innovative near-online flow assurance tool for pipeline historical performance analysis . Paper presented at the SPE Conference at Oman Petroleum & Energy Show, Muscat, Oman. https://doi.org/10.2118/ 218635-MS
30. Hurtado, N., Suleiman, A., Banihammad, B., Menhali, A. A., Jabery, R. A., Ditzler, T., Chikhi, Z., Elmoghazy, M., & Szczawinski, W. (2025). Overcoming the challenges for the first longest extended reach horizontal slim well . Paper presented at the SPE Europe Energy Conference and Exhibition, Vienna, Austria. https://doi.org/10.2118/225589-MS
31. Sloan, E. D., Jr. (2000). Hydrate engineering . Society of Petroleum Engineers. https://doi.org/ 10.2118/9781613993156
32. Lake, L. W., & Warner, H. R., Jr. (2007). Emerging and peripheral technologies . In Petroleum Engineering Handbook . Society of Petroleum Engineers. https://doi.org/10.2118/9781555631222
33. Dharavath, M. (2024). AI-driven predictive maintenance in data infrastructure: A multi-modal framework for enhanced system reliability . International Journal of Scientific Research in Computer Science Engineering and Information Technology, 10 , 824–834. https://doi.org/ 10.32628/CSEIT241061118
34. Abdullah, A., Mohammed, S., Alkazraji, J., Saleh, A., Muhsin, A., Janan, O., & Allahvaisi, S. (2025). Digital transformation in environmental parameter measurement and monitoring: Transitioning from traditional methods . Water and Soil Management and Modeling, 5 , 1–17. https://doi.org/10.22098/mmws.2025.17790.1623
35. López-Pérez, P., Santos-Sánchez, O., Rodríguez‐Guerrero, L., & Ordaz, P. (2025). Advanced control methods for industrial processes: Modeling, design and simulation of emerging systems in real time . https://doi.org/10.1002/9783527844197
36. Lake, L. W., & Wainwright, H. R. (2013). Reservoir simulation: History matching and forecasting . Society of Petroleum Engineers. https://doi.org/10.2118/9781613992920
37. Sun, L., Liu, Y., Zhu, X., Wang, Y., Li, Q., & Li, Z. (2025). Multiphase SPH framework for oil–water–gas bubbly flows: Validation, application, and extension . Processes, 13 , 3922. https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13123922
38. Haddad, J., Alfaqs, F., Pashchenko, O., Khomenko, V., & Rastsvietaiev, V. (2026). Dynamics of the destruction of paraffin deposits in oil–gas systems under cyclic pressure. Journal of Engineering and Applied Science, 73 (1), 160. https://doi.org/10.1186/s44147-026-01007-5
39. Eickhoff, M. (2017). Solidification modeling with user defined function in ANSYS Fluent. SINTEF Academic Press EBooks.
40. Szpicer, A., Bińkowska, W., Stelmasiak, A., Wojtasik-Kalinowska, I., Czajkowska, A., Mierzejewska, S., Domiszewski, Z., Rydzkowski, T., Piepiórka-Stepuk, J., & Półtorak, A. (2025). Advances in Computational Fluid Dynamics of Mechanical Processes in Food Engineering: Mixing, Extrusion, Drying, and Process Optimization. Applied Sciences , 15 (15), 8752. https://doi.org/10.3390/app15158752
41. Garoosi, F., & Hooman, K. (2021). Numerical simulation of multiphase flows using an enhanced volume-of-fluid (VOF) method. International Journal of Mechanical Sciences, 215 , 106956. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijmecsci.2021.106956
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.
