Research Progress, Mechanisms, and Future Prospects of Isolation gels in Sequential Transport via Methanol-Diesel Pipelines

Against the backdrop of the low-carbon transition in the energy sector, the sequential pipeline transport of methanol and diesel is a key technology for improving pipeline network efficiency; however, the primary obstacle is the “fuel mixing” issue caused by differences in their physical properties. Isolation gels technology offers a highly promising solution for suppressing fuel mixing by forming a flexible barrier that is pumpable, capable of forming a plug, and can be removed in a controlled manner. This paper systematically reviews research progress in this field from a materials science perspective: First, starting from the multiscale mechanisms of fuel mixing, it clarifies the performance requirements for ideal isolation gels and the core thermodynamic contradiction faced by the “methanol-diesel dual resistance” function; it then systematically reviews the research progress and limitations of traditional, composite, and smart gels systems; and details key performance characterization, pipeline evaluation, and computational fluid dynamics simulation methods; Finally, it summarizes current challenges and future directions. This review aims to provide a systematic theoretical reference and technical framework for the rational design and application of high-performance isolation gels.