The Smooth Transition: Cutting-Edge Drag Reduction for Decarbonization

Abstract Significant energy is consumed for the transportation and pumping of crude oil from processing facilities to terminals through long distance piping networks. This paper emphasizes on the technologies advancements and strategic initiative of drag reducing agents deployment at ADNOC Onshore asset that reduced the frictional losses of the network and thus saved more than 1.4 MM USD in terms of power tariff, enhanced facility availability and abatement of more than 16000 M ton CO2 / Year. Major energy consumer in Oil and Gas facilities is export pumping system, where stabilized crude oil is pumped to shipping terminals. High energy consumption in the export pipeline system is caused by significant pressure losses due to turbulent flows caused by the trajectory and long length of network. Suitable selection is very essential, to ensure the energy efficiency and compatibility of the chemical. Therefore, very stringent evaluation criteria DRAs adopted includes. Compatibility with the piping material to avoid any potential chemical reaction, thus integrity of network.Effectiveness in reducing the drag and improvement in pressure drop.Stability of the DRA under the extreme operating conditions.Operability concerns.Cost-effectiveness and rate of return. Environmental and safety considerations, such as the toxicity and biodegradability of the DRA. For the better understanding of drag reduction mechanism in crude oil pipelines and optimum dosage selection of chemical, various published literature and several technology providers were consulted. Based on the evaluation criteria, pilot was conceived at the major asset in Adnoc Onshore for one year. Pilot deployment of Drag reducing agent has shown significant energy saving. DRA dosage of 2 mg/L in the export crude oil network has reduced back pressure up to 5 bar from the network and thus enabled Asset to stop one export pump while maintaining the sustainable oil production rate. This strategic initiative for energy efficiency enhancement and decarbonization has resulted in OPEX reduction of more than 1.4 MM USD / year in terms of power tariff and GHG abatement of 16000 m Tons CO2 / Year, along with 30% enhancing the availability of facilities. This paper presents the recent innovations of DRAs deployment for crude oil export system and also summaries the viability of chemicals utilization for friction reduction and provides stringent selection criteria that ensures optimum dosage to ensure net positive return on investment. This paper also sheds light on the operational constraints encountered during the deployment and design consideration during the design of new facilities.