Heliyon (Feb 2023)

Extra heavy crude oil viscosity and surface tension behavior using a flow enhancer and water at different temperatures conditions

  • Mayda Lam-Maldonado,
  • Yolanda G. Aranda-Jiménez,
  • Eduardo Arvizu-Sanchez,
  • José A. Melo-Banda,
  • Nancy P. Díaz-Zavala,
  • Josué F. Pérez-Sánchez,
  • Edgardo J. Suarez-Dominguez

Journal volume & issue
Vol. 9, no. 2
p. e12120

Abstract

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Research reports reveal the importance of applying various substances to enhance extra-heavy crude oil pipeline transportation. During the crude oil conduction process, shearing occurs in the equipment and pipe accessories, producing a water-in-crude emulsion associated with forming a rigid film by adsorbing natural surfactant molecules in the droplets water, leading to increased Viscosity. This study presents the effect of a flow enhancer (FE) on the behavior of the Viscosity of an extra heavy crude oil (EHCO) and in emulsions formed with 5% and 10% water (W). The results revealed the effectiveness of the 1%, 3%, and 5% flow enhancer in lowering the Viscosity and presenting a Newtonian flow behavior which will help reduce the cost of heat treatment during the transportation of crude oil through the pipeline.

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