During the life cycle of a crude oil pipeline the properties of transported oil change, because in gathering systems the produced oils come from different wells. New wells may be added or some wells may go out of production for maintenance and repair. Production rates during the life of wells vary, too. In addition the properties of crude oil change during production. Due to seasonal variation, the average line temperature may also change. The viscosity of crude oil is a strong function of API gravity and temperature.

In this TOTM, we will study variation of crude oil °API and the pipeline average temperature and how they effect the pumping requirement. The procedures outlined in the March 2009 TOTM were used to calculate the line pressure drop due to friction. Then assuming 75 % pumping efficiency, the required pumping power was calculated. The change in pumping power requirements due to changes in crude oil °API and line average temperature for a case study will be demonstrated.

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