Optimization of insulation thickness and emissions rate reduction during pipeline carrying hot oil

Abstract

The present study discusses the insulation thickness effects on the underground oil pipeline life cycle overall costs and its sensitivity to economic parameters and environmental Emissions. The heating degree-day and life cycle cost procedures are used for the optimization and environmental analyses of the mazut oil pipeline. The insulation materials used are Rock wool, PF, and EPS regarding all the physical and economical parameters of insulation thickness. The results show that the optimum insulation thickness varies between 70.7 and 130.4 mm, the annual energy saving cost varies between 403.69 and 419.29 $/m, the payback periods vary between 0.331 and 0.887 years, the reductions in emissions at optimum insulation thickness marked 90.84% for Rock wool, 93.2% for PF, and 93.28% for EPS. Both lifetime and the unit cost of insulation is sensitive to the insulation thickness. Additionally, the increased discount rate and cost of insulation material per unit volume reduce the optimum insulation thickness. In conclusion, it is predictable that this research can supply a guide for engineers as insulation is used to decrease the total energy loss and total annual cost, which includes the fuel and insulation expenses of the pipeline of large diameters that are used to transmit viscous oil.

Keywords

• Pipeline transportation system
• Heavy oil
• Optimization
• Insulation thickness
• Operational cost
• Energy saving