Experimental Studies on Viscosity Reduction of Heavy Crude Oil by Ultrasonic Irradiation

Abstract

Viscosity reduction is one of the key issues for heavy oil reservoir development and its transportation. Up to now, the mechanisms for ultrasonic viscosity reduction still remain unclear, especially for that of heavy crude oil which needs to be studied urgently. Parameters have been studied on the effect of viscosity reduction. The parameters for viscosity reduction were optimized to achieve the excellent result of viscosity reduction. Experiments show that ultrasonic irradiation leads to a substantial decrease up to 86% of the viscosity of heavy oil. As for heavy crude oil, the parameters influencing viscosity reduction are in the order of ultrasonic power output, treatment time, water cut and temperature. Ultrasonic wave has an obvious influence on quantity, magnitude, and distribution of paraffin crystals. This proves the existence of synergistic effect between ultrasonic irradiation and viscosity depressant. Ultrasonic wave has an apparent effect on viscosity reduction of heavy oil.