Strain-Dependent Rheological Model and Pressure Wave Prediction for Shut in and Restart of Waxy Oil Pipelines

Waxy oil gelation and rheology is investigated and modeled using strain-dependent viscosity correlations. Rotational rheometry shows a sharp viscosity increase upon gel formation. High creeping flow viscosities are observed at small deformation conditions prior to yielding. A new strain-dependent rheological model, following analogous formulation to the Carreau–Yasuda shear rate-dependent model, captures viscosity reduction associated with yielding. In addition, shear viscosity and extensional viscosity are investigated using a capillary rheometry method. Distinct shear-thinning behavior is observed in the shear mode of deformation, while distinct tension-thinning behavior is observed in the extensional mode of deformation for the model fluid systems. High Trouton ratios are obtained for the gelled model fluid systems, confirming strongly non-Newtonian fluid rheology. Finally, axial pressure wave profiles are computed at real pipeline dimensions for idealized moderate yield stress fluids using a computationally efficient 1D pipeline simulator. The Rønningsen time-dependent gel degradation model is used to emulate the fluid rheology in the simulator. Axial stress localization phenomena are shown to depend on the overall magnitude of gel degradation as established by the reduction in yield value. A high degree of gel degradation serves to afford flow commencement in a timely manner.