Experimental and economic evaluation of GTL fluid flow properties and effect on TAPS

Abstract

In this study, procedures are outlined to recondition and sample crude oil from high-pressure Welker cylinders. Standard laboratory procedures are developed to determine viscosity and density properties of crude oil, GTL and their mixtures. The steps needed to ensure Quality Assurance and Project Plan (QAPjp) is given in detail. A calibration macro is written to automate viscometer calibration calculations. A preliminary economic model is developed to evaluate GTL transportation options. Viscosity and density are measured for various samples at different temperatures. The reproducibility of the results is found to be within 5%. Batching is more preferable then blending for the parameter values considered in the economic model. In brief, GTL option appears to be a feasible way of utilizing Alaskan North Slope (ANS) gas resources and increasing the lifetime of TAPS, if suitable advancement in GTL conversion technology results in a substantial reduction in capital investment.