10 Tips for Managing Bitumen in Your Pipeline System

Bitum: When you think of the oilsands, you probably think of bitumen. Bitumen is what gives the oilsands their name, and it continues to be a crucial part of oilsands production.

Bitumen is a heavy, sticky oil that drains slowly in cold climates and is almost impossible to recover in warm environments.

To make this challenging substance more useful, companies have upgraded their plants with solvent-assisted and thermal upgrading processes that allow them to produce lighter oils with higher coking values (the measure of how much vapour a substance can hold at a given temperature).
To get these upgraded oils out of the plant, however, requires more than just pumping them through pipelines. In this blog post we’ll take you through 10 tips for managing bitumen in your pipeline system—from pre-construction planning to secondary processing considerations.

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10 Tips for Managing Bitumen in Your Pipeline System

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When used in a variety of applications, bitumen can significantly impact the design and operation of a pipeline system. Bitumen is a thick, heavy oil that cannot be transported through typical pipeline networks. In order to transport bitumen safely and efficiently, engineers need to consider specific design and operational factors when developing the pipeline system. In addition to understanding the properties of bitumen and its unique transportation challenges, there are several considerations when designing and operating a pipeline network with bitumen. From corrosion prevention to keeping it separate from other oils, read on for 10 helpful tips for managing bitumen in your pipeline system.

Confirm bitumen and pipeline compatibility

When transporting bitumen, it is important to confirm the compatibility of the pipe with the bitumen. The type of pipe used in a pipeline system will depend on the expected temperatures and pressures of the system, as well as the chemical makeup of the bitumen. There are several standards that engineers will typically reference when determining the appropriate pipe type. Some standards include the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) 10W, 10W40, or 10W60; American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) D2882; American Petroleum Institute (API) 12A, 12B, or 12C; and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Code for the Design and Construction of Ships Carrying Oil in Bulk. It is important to confirm the expected operating temperature and pressure of the system with the pipe type selected. If the type of pipe selected does not withstand the expected conditions, the corrosion may damage the pipe wall and allow bitumen to leak into the system.

Use a dedicated pump station for bitumen and oil storage

When handling bitumen and other hydrocarbons, it is important to maintain separation between the different oils. When transporting bitumen, it is recommended to use a dedicated pump station and separate pipeline. When possible, keep the bitumen and other hydrocarbons at different locations. When storing bitumen and another hydrocarbon together, engineers should use a crude oil tank and a separate pump station. If these locations are not possible, engineers can install a double walled piping between the pump and tank. Another option is to install an extra large crude/bitumen tank that is designed to keep the two products separated. The extra large tank may also be equipped with a heating system that maintains the temperature inside the tank at the desired level.

Ensure you have adequate corrosion prevention

Bitumen is more corrosive than other crude oils. When selecting materials and designing the pipeline network, engineers should consider the corrosiveness of the bitumen. Some materials that are more corrosion resistant than others include carbon steel, stainless steel, nickel alloys, and pre-plated carbon steel. When selecting materials, it is important to consider the existing corrosion conditions of the system, the expected corrosion rates, and the operating temperature of the system. To prevent corrosion in the system, it is important to apply appropriate cathodic protection. Some techniques to prevent corrosion in the system include cathodic protection, regular inspection, and cleaning the pipeline. It is also important to avoid applying a coating that may trap solids in the coating or not be able to withstand the expected corrosiveness of the bitumen. When applying a coating to the system, it is important to select a coating that is compatible with the bitumen. If the coating is not compatible, it may trap solids or not be able to withstand the corrosiveness of the bitumen.

Use a flexible hose between the pump and the tank

When pumping bitumen, it is important to use a flexible hose between the pump and the tank. The bitumen can cause the piping to become plugged, which can lead to operational issues. The flexible hose will allow the bitumen to move freely, which will reduce the risk of the system becoming plugged. It is important to select a flexible hose that can withstand the expected operating temperature of the system and has a pressure rating that can handle the required flow rate. It is also important to ensure that the hose is designed to withstand the abrasiveness of the bitumen. Some materials to consider include synthetic rubber, synthetic fabric, or reinforced synthetic fabric. It is important to note that these materials will reduce the life span of the hose compared to a stainless steel hose.

Separate the bitumen from other oils using valves and fittings

When transporting bitumen in a pipeline network, it is important to keep the bitumen separated from other oils. When possible, it is recommended to use different pipelines for transporting the bitumen compared to other oils. When this is not possible, it is important to install fittings and valves to keep the bitumen and other oils separated. It is important to keep in mind that the valves and fittings used for the bitumen will be different than those used for other oils. Some valves and fittings to consider include a 0 gauge pressure reducing valve, 0 gauge non-pressure reducing valve, 0 gauge non-pressure reducing gate valve, and a 0 gauge plug valve.

Install a remote control valve with check valve before the tank

When storing bitumen, it is important to consider the flow rate. The flow rate of the bitumen will determine the size of the storage tank. Another factor to consider when sizing the tank is the expected temperature of the bitumen. When sizing the tank, it is important to consider the maximum and minimum temperatures that the bitumen will be exposed to. This will help to determine the required insulation that is needed. It is also important to consider the expected pressure in the tank. The expected pressure in the tank will depend on the pressure that is generated by the pump and the pressure required for the system. It is important to install a remote control valve with a check valve before the tank. The remote control valve will allow the operator to remotely activate the valve and regulate the pressure in the tank.

Install a remotely operated drain valve after the tank

When storing bitumen, it is important to consider the expected amount of loss from the tank. It is recommended to install a remotely operated drain valve after the tank. When installing the valve, it is important to account for the expected pressure drop across the valve. It is important to note that the pressure at the remote control valve will be lower than the pressure at the end of the pipeline before the tank. The difference in pressure will be dependent on the length of the pipeline and the expected pressure drop across the valve. It is also important to ensure that the diameter of the pipeline after the valve is large enough to handle the expected flow rate of the bitumen.

Dedicate a pipe to vacuum in your venting system

When storing bitumen, vapour will be produced in the tank. To control the vapour in the tank and protect the surrounding area, it is important to install a venting system. When designing the venting system, it is important to dedicate a pipe to vacuum in the system. The vacuum pipe will allow the vapour to be pulled from the tank and vented to the atmosphere. It is important to note that the vacuum pipe is the only pipe that should be connected to the tank. The vacuum pipe should not have any valves connected and should be installed below the level of the bitumen in the tank.

Conclusion

Bitumen, or heavy oil, is a thick, heavy substance that cannot be transported through typical pipeline networks. In order to transport bitumen safely and efficiently, engineers need to consider specific design and operational factors when developing the pipeline system. In addition to understanding the properties of bitumen and its unique transportation challenges, there are several considerations when designing and operating a pipeline network with bitumen. From corrosion prevention to keeping it separate from other oils, read on for 10 helpful tips for managing bitumen in your pipeline system.

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