QS Energy Inc (QSEP)

[Myrka]

For a specified flow rate, the pressure drop and thus the required pumping power is proportional to the length of the pipe and the viscosity of the fluid, but it is inversely proportional to the fourth power of the radius (or diameter) of the pipe. The pumping power requirement for a piping system can be reduced by a factor of 16 by doubling the pipe diameter. Poiseuille’s law (J. Poiseuille 1799–1869).

Then when the oil returns to the pipeline after the AOT, the oil enters a smaller diameter. I believe the change in viscosity will make a difference. The AOT tested was developed and refined by STWA & TC, I assume they designed it to maintain laminar flow throughout.