Research on the safe operation of the Santanghu Oil Pipeline under minimum annual throughput

Due to declining oil production in the Santanghu area of the Tuha Oilfield, the Santanghu Oil Pipeline needs to operate at reduced throughput. To ensure its safe operation, the annual minimum throughput of the pipeline and related safety issues were studied. The physical properties of crude oil transported by the pipeline and the climatic environment were comprehensively analyzed. The annual minimum throughput was calculated based on the lowest ground temperature in March through the establishment of a simulation model and the verification of hydraulic and thermal parameters. Safety risks and precautions related to this throughput were also analyzed. The minimum safe throughput of the Santanghu Oil Pipeline in March was determined to be 38 m³/h, corresponding to an annual throughput of 28.2×10⁴ t/a. The operating parameters of all stations along the pipeline and the RTU were found to meet the requirements for this throughput. In addition, safety precautions for equipment, emergency response, and prevention of pipeline wax deposition were established for operation at the annual minimum throughput. The precisely calculated minimum throughput provides theoretical support for the safe operation of the pipeline under low-throughput conditions. However, attention must be given to changes in the physical properties of crude oil, and monitoring and maintenance of key equipment should be strengthened to ensure safe and efficient pipeline operation.