During the trial, two sets of tests were conducted under different operating conditions, covering high and low flow rates as well as pipeline start-up and shutdown scenarios. The tests verified the adaptability of the technology under various operating modes and complex terrain conditions.

　　In refined oil pipelines, methanol has good compatibility with gasoline. When the two substances are transported consecutively, the mixed section is relatively short and concentration changes occur gradually, making separation easier.

　　By contrast, methanol has poorer compatibility with diesel. Under conditions such as low flow rates or uneven terrain, methanol and diesel can separate due to differences in density, resulting in longer mixed sections and greater difficulty in separation.

　　Therefore, the trial placed methanol between gasoline batches during transport, allowing methanol to “ride” existing refined oil pipelines and reach destinations safely and efficiently.

　　“From theoretical research and laboratory tests to pilot-scale pipeline experiments and now field engineering demonstrations, the successful completion of this trial has effectively verified the technical feasibility of transporting methanol through refined oil pipelines in terms of processes, pipeline materials and safety management,” Zhang Duaihong, president of the Research Institute of PipeChina, said.

　　Zhang said the trial provides an engineering foundation for the regular and large-scale transport of methanol through refined oil pipelines, and lays the technical groundwork for the future development of a large-scale “west-to-east methanol transport” corridor.

　　Global Times