The present invention is directed to an improved fluid diode using topology optimization with Finite Element Method (FEM). Topology optimization as a flexible optimization method has been extended to the fluid field. For given boundary conditions and constraints, it distributes a specific amount of pores (or remove materials to get channel) in the design domain to minimize/maximize an objective function. In this design, inlet and outlet ports are aligned and inflow and outflow are in the same direction. The present invention features an intricate network of fluid channels having optimized fluid connectivity and shapes, which significantly improves the diodicity of fluidic passive valves.

Implementations described herein generally relate to a drag reducing agent (DRA) for improving flow of crude oils having high asphaltene content through pipelines. The DRA is a terpolymer having a glass transition temperature (T.sub.g) of 6 degrees Celsius or below. The terpolymer is formed by a first monomer, a second monomer, and a third monomer. The first and second monomers are chosen based on the glass transition temperatures of corresponding homopolymers. The glass transition temperature of the homopolymer formed with the first monomer is at least 120 degrees Celsius higher than the glass transition temperature of the homopolymer formed with the second monomer. The DRA comprised of the terpolymer formed with the second monomer produces softer solids and fewer solids due to the low glass transition temperature of the terpolymer. The softer solids are more easily handled by the pump to keep the injection system clear.

Implementations described herein generally relate to a drag reducing agent (DRA) for improving flow of crude oils having high asphaltene content through pipelines. The DRA is a terpolymer having a glass transition temperature (T.sub.g) of 6 degrees Celsius or below. The terpolymer is formed by a first monomer, a second monomer, and a third monomer. The first and second monomers are chosen based on the glass transition temperatures of corresponding homopolymers. The glass transition temperature of the homopolymer formed with the first monomer is at least 120 degrees Celsius higher than the glass transition temperature of the homopolymer formed with the second monomer. The DRA comprised of the terpolymer formed with the second monomer produces softer solids and fewer solids due to the low glass transition temperature of the terpolymer. The softer solids are more easily handled by the pump to keep the injection system clear.

The process begins by obtaining a first batch of monomers selected from a group of acrylates with a molecular weight equal to or less than butyl acrylate and/or methacrylate with a molecular weight equal to or less than butyl methacrylate. A second batch of monomers is then selected from a group of acrylates with a molecular weight greater than butyl acrylate and/or methacrylate with a molecular weight greater than butyl methacrylate. A mixture is then prepared by mixing the first batch of monomers and the second batch of monomers, wherein the second batch of monomers are greater than 50% by weight of the mixture. Finally, the mixture is polymerized to produce a drag reducing polymer. The drag reducing polymer is capable of imparting drag reducing properties in liquid hydrocarbons.

The process begins by obtaining a first batch of monomers selected from a group of acrylates with a molecular weight equal to or less than butyl acrylate and/or methacrylate with a molecular weight equal to or less than butyl methacrylate. A second batch of monomers is then selected from a group of acrylates with a molecular weight greater than butyl acrylate and/or methacrylate with a molecular weight greater than butyl methacrylate. A mixture is then prepared by mixing the first batch of monomers and the second batch of monomers, wherein the second batch of monomers are greater than 50% by weight of the mixture. Finally, the mixture is polymerized to produce a drag reducing polymer. The drag reducing polymer is capable of imparting drag reducing properties in liquid hydrocarbons.

A method for transporting a bitumen froth having coarse solids having a particle size>180 μm through a pipeline is provided comprising injecting into the pipeline a bitumen froth slug having a lower temperature or a lower water content or both that the bitumen froth.

A method for transporting a bitumen froth having coarse solids having a particle size>180 μm through a pipeline is provided comprising injecting into the pipeline a bitumen froth slug having a lower temperature or a lower water content or both that the bitumen froth.

Additive is introduced into a tubular that carries produced fluid from a wellhead; the additive addition prophylactically guards against damage to the tubular, such as from corrosion or oxidation. Gas from the wellhead is utilized as a pressure source for driving the additive into the tubular. The rate of additive injection is varied based on characteristics of the tubular or fluid in the tubular. Characteristics of the fluid in the tubular include iron content, residual additive, moisture content, and flowrate; characteristics of the tubular include its corrosion rate of the tubular. The characteristics are measured real time, measured historically, or predicted from a model.

A method for optimizing a pipeline includes determining a mode of optimization and operation for the pipeline. The method also includes obtaining an objective function quantifying a performance variable as a function of one or more control decisions of the pipeline over a future time horizon. The method includes optimizing the objective function subject to one or more constraints to determine control decisions for the pipeline that result in an optimal value of the performance variable. The method includes operating equipment of the pipeline according to the control decisions.

A method for optimizing a pipeline includes determining a mode of optimization and operation for the pipeline. The method also includes obtaining an objective function quantifying a performance variable as a function of one or more control decisions of the pipeline over a future time horizon. The method includes optimizing the objective function subject to one or more constraints to determine control decisions for the pipeline that result in an optimal value of the performance variable. The method includes operating equipment of the pipeline according to the control decisions.