Assessment Method of Heating Economics for Crude Oil Pipeline

Based on thermal analysis, the definition and assessment parameters about heating economics for crude oil pipeline are outlined in the paper. The method that assessment plots are constructed is discussed and the prediction and evaluation of heating economics for an actual pipeline is performed. Results show that the method suggested by the article would play a very important role on decreasing heat energy consumption for oil pipeline if that are used practically. The range of economic discharge capacity and the index of heat consumption can be determined by means of the plots obtained from the method. The state of heating economics for an actual operation scheme in pipeline can be estimated when the information obtained by thermal analysis to these operation parameters is compared, with the data from the assessment plots. The efficiency of heating stations could also be predicted by means of the method if the oil amount consumed in heating process were known.