Prediction on the monthly minimum energy consumption for Shanshan-Lanzhou Crude Oil Pipeline

Monthly minimum energy consumption of a crude oil pipeline can be predicted to help managers define targets and tap potential of the pipeline in view of energy efficiency. Taking the Shanshan-Lanzhou Crude Oil Pipeline as an example, which features diversified media, multiple offtake points and complex processes, this paper presents a prediction method for monthly minimum energy consumption. This method includes monthly flowrate distribution and program optimization of pump and heater running. For monthly flowrate distribution, two modes are indicated, namely by average flowrate and historical proportion. For pump and heater running optimization, a dynamic programming is used for pumping and a reverse search method for heating. Based on flowrate distribution model and pump and heater optimization model, a software was developed and applied to predict the energy consumption of the Shanshan-Lanzhou Crude Oil Pipeline in January and May, 2012. The results show that the pipeline may be more energy-effective. By means of comparing optimized programs with actual running programs, this paper points out the direction in energy saving of the pipeline.