Flow of Saudi Oil Emulsions in Pipelines

Abstract

Flow characteristics of Saudi oil emulsions in pipelines were studied experimentally and described mathematically. The type of emulsions prepared were oil-in-water and their rheological properties were measured using HAAK viscometer at different temperatures and oil concentrations. The emulsifying agent (Triton X-100) was used to stablize the emulsions with a concentration of 0.5% by volume. Three rheological models were developed to relate the shear stress to shear rate, oil concentration and temperature. These models were used to describe the flow behavior of the emulsions in pipelines. The effects of oil concentration and temperature on the pressure required to pump such emulsions in pipelines under turbulent conditions were also studied.