Refined oil pipeline flow rate
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Experts, I’ve recently encountered an issue related to the flow rate in oil transportation pipelines. The flow rate generated by the pumps at the pumping stations is more than sufficient, but due to the safety limit of 2 m/s, it’s not possible to operate at full capacity, which results in the pumps running at reduced load. I lack a lot of information; there’s no concept of an anti-static safe flow rate for refined oil pipelines. In stations, a flow rate of no more than 4.5 m/s is generally sufficient. I would like to ask everyone: is it necessary to maintain a flow rate of 2 m/s for the long-distance transport of refined oil? Can the flow rate be increased as long as the hydraulic conditions meet the requirements?
There are some practical aspects for which there may be no theoretical data. You say you can lift 200 pounds, but the manager says, \"No, young man – if you break something, the company will have to compensate you.\" So just lift 150 pounds like everyone else; at least no one has had any problems lifting 150 pounds.
I can understand their perspective, but 2 m/s is too low; it directly affects the pipeline transport capacity and hinders the efficiency of pipeline transportation. I wonder if this value could be increased a bit
It’s suggested to ask the manager, tentatively.
There are certain limitations that cannot be overcome. For example, when transporting hydrogen using carbon steel pipes, there are limits on the flow rate; exceeding these limits does indeed generate static electricity, and needle-like discharges of static electricity can cause fires. Therefore, the existence of safe flow rates is meaningful. If pump capacity is a constraint, considering replacing the pump or the pipes might be an option
Try to avoid exceeding the recommended flow rate; the values listed above represent safe flow rates as well as those that are more economical. Exceeding these limits is harmful to both the safety of the equipment and its resistance to corrosion – this has been learned through years of experience