The Science and Technical Centre of the Pipeline Transport Institute in Ufa has commissioned a thermohydraulic test bench for studying heavy and bituminous oils.

The test bench’s principle of operation is based on recording oil parameters (pressure, flow and temperature) and their changes in the measuring line. The measured data is used to assess changes in rheological parameters of oil at different temperatures.

The test bench can also be used to study blended crudes transportation process, evaluate efficiency of depressor additives and inhibitors, simulate pipeline cooling process , determine pressure at the start of movement of cooled static oil to calculate maximum flow stoppage time, and tie-in equipment to study various methods of oil stimulation.

The technical solutions implemented in the test bench developed by the Pipeline Transport Institute allow for oil testing within a wide range of viscosity and density parameters. Test bench is run by an operator’s automated workstation.

The thermohydraulic test bench is a part of the Pipeline Transport Institute‘s laboratory and testing complex developed for studies in the field of transportation of various crude blends, assessment of remaining lifetime of pipelines and auxiliary equipment taking into account actual properties and condition of the metal, monitoring and developing technical solutions to improve reliability of pipeline transportation facilities, including those operated under harsh climatic conditions.