Improving Supply Chain Strategies towards Mitigating the Effect of Crude Oil Theft and Pipeline Vandalism in the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry: A Case Study of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC)

Generically, SCM may be said to include all activities carried out to ensure proper functioning of the supply chain. The activities included in proper management of a supply chain broadly include logistics activities, planning and control of the flow of information and materials in a firm, management of relationships with other organizations and government intervention, However, crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism are established products supply chain disruptors in Nigeria which are rendering the task of running an efficient petroleum supply chain onerous. This paper aims to establish the importance of effective supply chain strategies for companies in the oil and gas industry with special focus on the Nigerian oil and gas sector and the strategies by which the state oil and gas corporation in this sector may mitigate disruptions to its supply chain. This study investigates the enhancement of supply chain strategies towards meeting the challenge of crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism, using the Nigerian National Corporation (NNPC) as a case study. Based on this study, data were collected from two sources: A summary of incident reports obtained from NNPC and an interview with personnel in the PPMC Department. Incident report refers to a report produced when accidents such as equipment failure, injury, loss of life, or fire occur at the work site. Content analysis is utilized to evaluate data obtained from interview responses, CBN financial stability reports, NDIC annual reports, circulars, banking supervision reports and implementation guidelines. The study found out that NNPC should endeavor to sustain its value chain and ward of pipeline vandals and crude oil thieves by engaging in community partnership, detailing security outfits to ensure its pipelines’ right of way and bridging. Concluded that the oil supply chain of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation has been plagued by disruptions in the form of crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism which has had debilitating effects on its value.

Development of a Low-Cost Prototype System for Pipeline Operational and Vandalism Spillage Detection and Validation Framework

Crude oil spillage is a major challenge in Nigeria. It affects the environment, health, life, and livelihood of residents of the Niger Delta region, where oil is explored, processed, and transported via a network of pipelines. Oil spillage is primarily caused by vandalization/sabotage and operational issues such as corrosion, equipment failure, operation, and maintenance errors. Thus, prompt response is required to mitigate the impact of oil spills. In this study, we deployed low-cost Arduino systems, including sensors (vibration and flow), modules (GPS and Wifi) and an IoT platform (ThingSpeak) to detect spillage caused by vandalism and operational inefficiencies proactively. The results demonstrate that low-cost sensors can detect changes in the flow volume between the inflow and outflow attributable to spillage, and vibration shocks caused by vandalism can be detected and linked to the cause of the spillage and communicated in real time to inform response action. Moreover, we proposed a framework for field validation utilizing KoboToolBox (a crowdsourcing/citizen science platform). The prototype system designed and programmed showed promising results, as it could detect spillage for vandalism and operational scenarios in real-time, quantify the volume of spillage, and identify the location and time of spillage occurrence;indicators relevant for response planning to minimize the impact of oil spillage. A video demonstration of the prototype system developed is accessible via: https://youtu.be/wKa9MZvYf1w. .

Permafrost warming along the Mo'he-Jiagedaqi section of the China-Russia crude oil pipeline

The permafrost along the China-Russia Crude Oil Pipeline(CRCOP) is degrading since the pipeline operation in 2011. Heat dissipated from the pipeline, climate warming and anthropogenic activities leads to permafrost warming. The processes of permafrost warming along the CRCOP were studied based on the monitoring of air and soil temperatures, and electrical resistivity tomography(ERT) surveys. Results show that:(1) the mean annual air temperature(MAAT) in permafrost regions along the CRCOP increased with a rate of 0.21°C/10a–0.40°C/10 a during the past five decades;(2) the mean annual ground temperature(MAGT, at-15 m depth) of undisturbed permafrost increased by 0.2°C and the natural permafrost table remained unchanged due to the zero-curtain effect;(3) permafrost surrounding the uninsulated pipeline right-of-way warmed significantly compared with that in a natural site. During 2012–2017, the MAGT and the artificial permafrost table, 2 m away from the pipeline centerline, increased at rates of 0.063°C/a and 1.0 m/a. The thaw bulb developed around the pipe and exhibits a faster lateral expansion;(4) 80-mm-thick insulation could reduce the heat exchange between the pipeline and underlying permafrost and then keep the permafrost and pipe stable. The MAGT and the artificial permafrost table, 4.8 m away from the center line of the pipeline, increased by 0.3°C/a and 0.43 m/a, respectively. Due to the heat disturbance caused by warm oil, the degradation of wetland, controlled burn each autumn and climate warming, the permafrost extent reduced and warmed significantly along the CRCOP route. Field observations provide basic data to clarify the interactions between CRCOP and permafrost degradation and environmental effects in the context of climate change.

Emulsification of Indian heavy crude oil using a novel surfactant for pipeline transportation

The most economical way to overcome flow assurance problems associated with transportation of heavy crude oil through offshore pipelines is by emulsifying it with water in the presence of a suitable surfactant.In this research,a novel surfactant,tri-triethanolamine monosunflower ester,was synthesized in the laboratory by extracting fatty acids present in sunflower（Helianthus annuus）oil.Synthesized surfactant was used to prepare oil-in-water emulsions of a heavy crude oil from the western oil field of India.After emulsification,a dramatic decrease in pour point as well as viscosity was observed.All the prepared emulsions were found to be flowing even at 1°C.The emulsion developed with 60%oil content and 2wt%surfactant showed a decrease in viscosity of 96%.The stability of the emulsion was investigated at different temperatures,and it was found to be highly stable.The effectiveness of surfactant in emulsifying the heavy oil in water was investigated by measuring the equilibrium interfacial tension（IFT）between the crude oil（diluted）and the aqueous phase along with zeta potential of emulsions.2wt%surfactant decreased IFT by almost nine times that of no surfactant.These results suggested that the synthesized surfactant may be used to prepare a stable oil-in-water emulsion for its transportation through offshore pipelines efficiently.

Characteristics of the active-layer under the China-Russia Crude Oil pipeline

Active layer is a key component for permafrost environment studies as many subsurface biological,biogeochemical,ecological,and pedogenic activities prevail in this layer.This study focuses on active layer temperature monitoring in an area with sporadic permafrost at two adjacent sites along China-Russia Crude Oil Pipeline(CRCOP),NorthEast China.Site T1 is located in disturbed ground on the right-of-way(on-ROW)2 m away from the center of the oil pipeline.T2 is located in a natural and undisturbed site,around 16.6 m off-ROW.Our objective was to study seasonal variability of the active layer depth and thermal regime from October 2017 to September 2018.The monitoring sites consist of soil temperature probes arranged in a vertical array at different depths at both sites.The following parameters were computed:number of isothermal days(ID),freezing days(FD),thawing days(TD),freezing degree days(FDD),thawing degree days(TDD),number of freeze-thaw days(FTD).The mean air temperature in the monitoring period reached-3.2℃.The temperature profile indicates that the maximum active layer thickness observed during the study period was 10 m at T1 and 2 m at T2.The majority of the soil temperatures were above or close to 0℃,resulting in great values of TDD,especially in the first 4 m depth.TDD for T1 were predominant and ranged between 600-1160℃·days(0-4 m depth)reflecting the influence of oil temperature from the pipeline.In T2 borehole FDD were predominant for all the soil layer depths resulting in less permafrost degradation.This comparison emphasizes the significant influence of vegetation removal and the dispersed heat from the pipeline on the active layer thickness.

Cold-region environments along the China-Russia Crude Oil Pipeline and their management

The cold-region eco-environments along the China-Russia Crude Oil Pipeline (CRCOP) in northern Northeast China are in disequilibrium due to the combined influences of pronounced climate warming and intensive anthropogenic activities.This is evidenced by the sharp areal reduction and northward shifting of the boreal forests,shrinking of wetlands,enhancing of soil erosion,accelerating degradation of permafrost and deteriorating of cold-region eco-environments.The degradation of permafrost plays an important role as an internal drive in the eco-environmental changes.Many components of the cold-region eco-environments,including frozen ground,forests,wetlands and peatlands,forest fires and 'heating island effect' of rapid urbanization,are interdependent,interactive,and integrated in the boreal ecosystems.The construction and long-term operation of the CRCOP system will inevitably disturb the cold-region environments along the pipeline.Therefore,a mandatory and carefully-elaborated environ-mental impact statement is indispensable for the proper mitigation of the ensued adverse impacts.Proper management,effective protection and practical rehabilitation of the damaged cold-region environments are a daunting,costly and long-term commitment.The recommended measures for protection and restoration of permafrost eco-environments along the pipeline route include adequate investigation,assessment and monitoring of permafrost and cold-region environments,compliance of pipeline construction and operation codes for environmental management,proper and timely re-vegetation,returning the cultivated lands to forests and grasslands,and effective mitigation of forest fire hazards.

Thermal state of soils in the active layer and underlain permafrost at the kilometer post 304 site along the China-Russia Crude Oil Pipeline

On-site monitoring is very important for understanding formation mechanisms of frost hazards frequently occurring in pipeline foundation soils and for designing and deploying according mitigative measures in permafrost regions.Significant thaw subsidence of ground surfaces along the ChinaRussia Crude Oil Pipeline(CRCOP) from Mo'he to Daqing,Heilongjiang Province,Northeast China have been observed at some segments underlain by ice-rich warm(>1.0°C) permafrost since the official operation in January 2011.Recent monitoring results of the thermal states of foundation soils at the kilometer post(KP) 304 site along the CRCOP are presented in this paper.The results indicate that during the period from 2012 to 2014,shallow soils(at the depths from0.8 to 4.0 m from ground surface) has warmed by approximately 1.0°C in the lateral range of 1.2 to 2.1 maway from the pipeline axis,and deeper permafrost(such as at the depth of 15 m,or the depth of zero annual amplitude of ground temperatures) by 0.08°C per year 4 m away from the pipe axis,and 0.07°C per year 5 m away from the pipeline axis.The results indicate an all-season talik has developed around and along the CRCOP.The thaw bulb,with a faster lateral expansion(compared with the vertical growth),enlarges in summer and shrinks in winter.This research will provide important references and bases for evaluating thermal influences of warm pipeline on permafrost and for design,construction,operation and maintenance of pipelines in permafrost regions.

Numerical Study and Economy Analysis of Two Heated Crude Oil Pipelines Laid in One Ditch

In this paper,the transportation economy of two heated crude oil pipelines laid in one ditch is analyzed by taking into account the influence of operating temperature,interval between two pipelines,and distance between two heating stations on the heating energy consumption.To analyze the transportation economy,the two heated crude oil pipelines laid in one ditch are simulated under four operating conditions based on an unstructured finite volume method.Compared with laying two crude oil pipelines separately in two ditches,the results attest notably higher soil temperature,meaning reduced heat dissipation of each pipeline by laying two pipelines in one ditch.It is inferred that for the same desired oil temperature at the inlet of the next heating station,laying two pipelines in one ditch requires lower oil temperature at the outlet of heating station,indicating decreased energy cost at the heating station and improved transportation economy.Then economy analysis of four configurations of laying two pipelines in one ditch is performed.By comparing the results of four conditions,the interval between two pipelines of 1.2 m is found to save the energy most efficiently,which is as large as 26.6%compared with that of laying two pipelines in two separate ditches.In addition,narrowing the pipeline interval and extending the distance between heating stations is beneficial to save heating energy.This study is expected to provide valuable guidance for operation optimization of heated crude oil pipelines.

Main Indexes of Pipeline Transportation of Crude Oil and Gas

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Physical properties of wax deposits on the walls of crude pipelines

Wax deposits on the wall of a crude oil pipeline are a solid wax network of fine crystals, filled with oil, resin, asphaltene and other impurities. In this paper, a series of experiments on wax deposition in a laboratory flow loop were performed under different conditions （flow rate, temperature differential between crude oil and pipeline wall, and dissolved wax concentration gradient）, and the wax deposits were analyzed, so quantitative relationships among wax content, wax appearance temperature （WAT）, shear stress, and radial concentration gradient of dissolved wax at the solid/liquid interface were obtained. Finally, a model was established to predict WAT and the wax content of the deposit.

Improving Crude Oil Flow Using Graphene Flakes under an Applied Electric Field

Graphene flakes(GF)have been prepared and assessed as a material for improving flow in oil pipelines under the effect of an electric field.In particular,different amounts of GFs have been considered in order to determine the optimal flow conditions.The GFs were prepared from graphite foam,derived from the dehydration of sugar with a particle size of 500-600μm,which was dispersed in ethanol and exfoliated in a ball mill under a shear force.After 15 h of exfoliation,sonication,and subsequent high-speed centrifugation at 3000 rpm,irregular-shaped GFs of 50-140 nm were produced and characterized using scanning electron microscopy,X-ray diffractometry,atomic force microscopy,and Raman spectroscopy.The prepared graphene sheets have been found to display excellent morphology and good graphitic structure.Experiments on flow improvement were conducted using the central composite rotatable design method for three parameters:stimulation time(15,30,45,and 60 s),applied voltage(150,170,200,and 220 V),and concentration of the GFs(0,100,200,and 400 mg/L).The optimal conditions for improved crude oil flow were then determined using the STATISTICA and WinQSB software packages.The results have confirmed the effectiveness of the use of the prepared GFs as a flow improver for crude oil,where the flow improvement is essentially a result of a reduction in viscosity and suppression of friction in the crude oil system.

Corrosion-Based Integrity Analysis of Offshore Pipeline for Hydrocarbon Transportation

Conventional pipeline corrosion assessment methods result in failure pressure predictions that are conservative, especially for pipelines that are subjected to internal pressure and axial compressive stress. Alternatively, numerical methods may be used. However, they are computationally expensive. This paper proposes an analytical equation based on finite element analysis (FEA) for failure pressure prediction of a high toughness corroded pipeline with a single corrosion defect subjected to internal pressure and axial compressive stress. The equations were developed based on the weights and biases of an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) model trained with failure pressure from finite element analysis (FEA) of a high toughness pipeline for various defect depths, defect lengths, and axial compressive stresses. The proposed model was validated against actual burst test results for high toughness materials and was found to be capable of making accurate predictions with a coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.99. An extensive parametric study using the proposed model was subsequently conducted to determine the effects of defect length, defect depth, and axial compressive stress on the failure pressure of a corroded pipe with a single defect. The application of ANN together with FEA has shown promising results in the development of an empirical solution for the failure pressure prediction of pipes with a single corrosion defect subjected to internal pressure and axial compressive stress.

Variation of yield stress of Daqing crude oil with pipelining history

The yield stress of waxy crude oil is a fundamental parameter in the calculation of pipelining technique and analysis of flow safety for the heated oil transported through pipeline.Daqing crude oil was studied and the variation of yield stress with shear history was explored through simulation experiment of pipelining.It is found that the effect of throughput variation or shear rate on yield stress is not obvious.With the decrease of final dynamic cooling temperature,the yield stress of waxy crude oil decreases,but there exists a little increase at the beginning.The prediction model of yield stress for waxy crude oil under the condition of shutdown is developed and it can be used to predict the yield stress of Daqing crude oil at certain heating temperature,final dynamic cooling temperature and measurement temperature.For the 139 groups of yield stress data of Daqing crude oil from the simulation experiment of pipelining,the result of prediction with this model shows that the average relative deviation between the yield stress measured and predicted is 30.27%,and the coefficient of correlation is 0.962 3.

First Evidence of Fungal Strains Isolated and Identified from Naphtha Storage Tanks and Transporting Pipelines in Venezuelan Oil Facilities

Biocorrosion, as well as the biodeterioration of crude oil and its derivatives, is one of the major environmental, operational and economic problems in the Venezuelan oil industry. Fungal contaminants are able to produce large quantities of biomass and synthesize peroxides and organic acids, causing severe damage on metal surfaces and promoting the contamination and biodeterioration of fuels. No evidences regarding fungal strains have been reported to be associated to petroleum naphtha, widely used as a diluent of extra heavy crude oil (EHCO) in the exploitation processes of the Orinoco Oil Belt, the biggest proven reserve of EHCO worldwide. The aims of this paper were to isolate and identify fungal strains from the naphtha storage tank and the naphtha distribution network from an oil field operator in Venezuela. The results showed the isolation of four different fungal strains. The molecular identification by 28S rRNA sequencing and phylogenetic tree analysis allowed us to identify the presence of: 1) a new uncultured Ascomycota fungus species BM-103, with high identity to novel hyphomycetes Noosia banksiae and Sporidesmium tengii, in the naphtha storage tank;2) two yeasts, Rhodotorula mucilaginosa BM-104 (Phylum Basidiomycota) and Wickerhamia sp. BM-105 (Phylum Ascomycota), in a highly damaged naphtha pipeline branch and;3) Cladosporium cladosporioides BM-102 (Phylum Ascomycota) in a cluster oil well. DNA fingerprinting analysis using ERIC-PCR primers pairs also allowed us to detect the presence of R. mucilaginosa BM-104 right in the access of the studied naphtha system. Interestingly, R. mucilaginosa and C. cladosporioides were previously reported as predominant fungal contaminants of diesel and jet fuel and of kerosene and fuel storage systems, respectively. This paper represents the first evidence of fungal strains isolated and identified from the naphtha systems in the Venezuelan oil industry. The results obtained are discussed.

Pressure Surge Dependence on Valve Operations in a Pipeline Loading System

This paper discusses the influence of valve operations on pressure surge in a pipeline. The valve is a protective type which remains open in a pipeline loading system during normal operation but shut down the system when there is an emergency such as storm. The data for the study were obtained from measurements at Agbada 1 flow station as well as log sheets. Also, calculations were made using existing and derived formulas to obtain the values of Crude Oil and Pipe parameters that could not be measured directly or derived from data or log sheets. Surge analysis was carried out on the pipeline system to ascertain changes in pressure and flow rates along the pipeline following valve shut down at any time using developed pressure and flow equations. The results of the simulation analysis showed remarkable changes in the fluid pressure and flow rates along the pipe on shut down at any time. The pipeline recorded the highest pressure of 37.4 bar against initial pressure of 25 bar at length 6000 m in 1.5 second valve closure. There is also remarkable pressure drop along the pipe capable of reducing the crude oil pressure below its vapour pressure. The flow is turbulent even before valve operation with Reynolds number as high as 57024.53. The model equations compute changes in pressure and flow rates at different points in a pipeline installed with emergency-relief coupling valve. This enables point of extreme and low pressure to be detected accurately in a pipeline which guides the engineer while positioning surge suppression devices which cushion the effects of pressure surge in any pipeline.

长输原油管道并管混输运行方案研究

为实现长庆油田第三输油处姬惠线和油惠线不加降凝剂和减阻剂运行,实现节能降耗,通过建模仿真,开展并管混输运行模式研究。首先,建立管网仿真模型,利用现场近5年历史数据进行模型调试与校验,使模型精度达到95%以上,能够准确描述现场的水力和热力特征;然后,分析并管混输后的管道沿线水热力分布,结合各站场设备和管线情况,研究并管混输的可行性;接着,通过控制边界条件,模拟分析并管混输的输量和温度控制范围。最后,进行现场试验验证,对比分析理论与实际。结果表明:姬惠线通过姬马复线或新建联络线分输一部分原油至油惠线,均可实现姬惠线不加减阻剂、油惠线不加降凝剂运行;根据输油计划,最大可分输320 m^(3)/h,最小需分输182 m^(3)/h,冬季最低出站温度为57℃,与并管混输前相比,可降低33℃;经过现场试验与应用,研究结果与现场运行结果一致,实现了节能降耗。

利用高密度电阻率法进行多年冻土探测的研究与应用

多年冻土退化后,融区周期性冻结和融化作用会严重损害输油管道的稳定性.为查明原油管道埋设区多年冻土分布、发育现状,计划分别采用二维、三维高密度电法进行探测.为了进一步研究高密度电法不同探测方式的有效性和冻土的电阻率响应特征,首先在管道下部空间建立未融化、半融化、贯穿融化3种模型,采用EarthImager 2D和EarthImager 3D软件进行有限单元法正演和圆滑约束的最小二乘法反演;随后根据数值模拟结果,对比研究3种模型电阻率响应特征及反演结果的差异性,总结二维、三维高密度电法勘探效果;最后利用勘探实例进一步验证.结果表明,高密度电法在多年冻土探测领域是一种行之有效的方法:二维高密度电法对未融化、贯穿融化探测效果优于半融化状态;三维高密度电法采集数据更加丰富,目标体形态展示更加直观精细,反演结果更加接近理论模型,适用各种冻土融化状态.野外实例进一步验证了数值模拟结果,三维高密度电法的应用也对多年冻土精细探测领域提供了新思路.

基于内外检测数据对齐的管道腐蚀原因分析

长庆油田某原油管道经漏磁内检测后对典型的外部腐蚀进行开挖,发现保温管下大面积腐蚀。基于管道内外检测数据对比,阴极保护、土壤电阻率及交/直流杂散电流干扰检测,结合直接开挖结果,研究原油管道腐蚀原因。研究结果表明:基于外检测时,对阴极保护、土壤电阻率及交/直流杂散电流干扰进行检测,当无交/直流干扰,管道本体无腐蚀产生;基于内检测后,检测信号显示部分管道存在大量外部腐蚀缺陷,选取一处典型大面积腐蚀缺陷进行直接开挖,对该处缺陷进行交/直流干扰检测,检测无干扰,发现保温层出现渗水,保温层下管道本体出现浮锈,环氧煤沥青出现老化并与管道本体发生剥离,腐蚀产物和保温层发泡材料出现粘结。内外检测数据对齐能研究管道外部环境对管道本体安全和腐蚀的影响,可进一步完善管道完整性评价体系。

原油管道内检测作业安全分析与清管技术

在原油管道清管过程中,存在第三方破坏管材卷入、管道斜接、阀门未全开、管道凹陷变形、管道清洁度差、三通无档条等6种作业风险因素。某原油管道清管过程中,泡沫、机械器和磁力钢刷清管器在清管过程中以各自的清管标准和判断原则,经清管作业后管道的输送压力和排量显著提高。研究结果表明:泡沫测径清管器测径板变形量大于25%OD (管道外径)和机械测径清管测径板变形量大于20%OD时,应进行多次泡沫测径清管或机械测径清管,对比测径板变形和皮碗的损伤情况,分析造成测径板变形和皮碗损伤的原因,排除清管过程中的风险。磁力钢刷清管器清管杂质小于10 kg或多次清管杂质量相当时,可进行下一步检测作业。原油管道经多次清管后,管道的输送效能可提高20%左右。原油管道定期实施清管作业可以提高管道输送效能,及时发现超限变形,消除管道隐患,为内检测作业提供理论基础。

油田井下输送原油管道保温结构及性能

高含蜡原油易在开采及输送过程中出现蜡沉积现象,造成井筒和输送管道的堵塞,影响油田的正常生产。为综合解决油井井筒结蜡和偏磨问题,在分析了目标油藏生产概况以及井筒温度影响因素的基础之上,开展了油田井下输送原油管道保温措施和防磨措施研究,并对保温材料和防磨材料的性能进行了评价。结果表明:油井产液量越大、含水率和动液面高度越高,井筒温度相对就越高,造成井筒析蜡的风险相对就越小。聚苯乙烯泡沫保温材料的综合性能相对更好,当实验时间为360 min时,温度保持率仍能达到85.35%,保温效果较好。NC-2耐磨材料的硬度和耐温性能较好,延展性能优良。采用复合复挤的方式将聚苯乙烯泡沫保温材料和NC-2耐磨材料相结合,形成适合目标油田井下输送原油管道的保温结构,能够满足井筒和输送管道的保温需求,有效缓解井筒结蜡和偏磨问题,有助于提高高含蜡原油的生产效率。