Abstract:

During the process of offshore oil & gas exploitation, severe slugging appears in the pipeline-riser system, which causes large fluctuation of pressure and oil & gas flow rates and lead to decreased production and pipeline corrosion. Meanwhile the structural strength and stability of the operating platform will be undermined. In order to eliminate the severe slugging appearing in the pipeline-riser system, the auto-pumping method was developed. This new method could completely eliminate the severe slugging which occurred at low oil & gas flow rates, and significantly reduce the severe slugging region. The efficiency of this method mainly depended on the effect of self-suction. The better effect of self-suction would create higher elimination efficiency. Practically a submersible pump is recommended to be installed in the vertical pipeline in the oil field to eliminate severe slugging.