Experimental effectiveness studies of the technology for cleaning the inner cavity of gas gathering pipelines

Purpose: The purposes of the article are to determine the hydraulic efficiency of two gas gathering pipelines of the Yuliivskyi oil and gas condensate production facility (OGCPF) and develop a set of measures to increase it; to experimentally determine the efficiency of using foams to increase the hydraulic characteristics of the gas gathering pipelines in the Yuliivskyi OGCPF; to develop a set of measures that will help to improve the hydraulic characteristics of gas gathering pipelines. Design/methodology/approach: The research methodology consists in determining the hydraulic efficiency of gas gathering pipelines before and after cleaning their inner cavity with foams with different expansion ratios and comparing the obtained values, which allows to objectively assess the efficiency of this cleaning method. The studies were performed within the framework of research and development work by the specialists of the Ukrainian Scientific Research Institute of Natural Gases. Findings: The pilot testing was carried out to determine the efficiency of cleaning the inner cavity of gas gathering pipelines with foams with different expansion ratios. It showed positive results. It was determined that cleaning the inner cavity of gas gathering pipelines with foams with the expansion ratio from 80 to 90 led to an increase in the hydraulic efficiency coefficient by 10.5%, and with foams with the expansion ratio from 50 to 60 - by 5.7%. The measures taken to clean the inner cavity of gas gathering pipelines from liquid contaminations have proven their efficiency and can be recommended for other fields. Research limitations/implications: The obtained results show that it is reasonable to conduct the experimental studies on the efficiency of cleaning the inner cavity of gas gathering pipelines with the foams with higher expansion ratios. To achieve the maximum quality of cleaning the gas gathering pipelines, it is necessary to develop a new method that will combine the use of foam and gel piston.Practical implications: The performed experimental studies help to take a more reasonable approach to cleaning the inner cavity of gas gathering pipelines with foams and to predict in advance the effect of the foam expansion ratio on the hydraulic efficiency of gas gathering pipelines. Originality/value: The experimental studies on the effect of foam expansion ratios on the hydraulic efficiency of gas gathering pipelines are original