Laboratory Investigation of Rheological Properties of Polymer and Crude Oil

Clifford Tamuno Ibime Dexterity

doi:10.19080/rapsci.2017.02.555600

Abstract

Laboratory Investigation of Rheological Properties of Polymer and Crude Oil

Highlights

Rheology gives a proper knowledge of fluid flow behaviors
2nd observation: After 7 days, the viscosity reduced drastically as a result of the growth of microbes which was very visible in the crude samples and much more visible on the buffer solution (Xanthan Gum + water)
Xanthan gum is known to be a viscous polymer if subjected to flow once the shear forces are removed, the polymer in solution starts to thicken thereby increasing viscosity, from the investigation carried out after 7 days, growth of microbes which was very visible in the crude samples and much more visible on the buffer solution had the ability to keep the hydrocarbon pH constant while the heavier molecules in the hydrocarbon are broken down which discovered to drastically increase fluid flow due to shear thinning or pseudo-plasticity

Summary

Introduction

Rheology gives a proper knowledge of fluid flow behaviors. It is generally, the study of how matter deforms and flows, including its elasticity, plasticity and viscosity. Rheological modeling of fluids in the field is visually described by the Bingham plastic or the power law model This model is fairly easy to solve for its specific descriptive parameters, they do not simulate fluid behavior across the entire rheological spectrum very well, in the low shear rate range [1]. The power law Model (PL) characterizes mud behavior across the entire shear rate range. Shear stress = K × (shear rate)n reservoir sytem was modelled to note the conditions through which the fluid flows and their various viscosities recorded. The Darcy Equation was introduced to note the resistance to flow of the fluid samples (crude oil + a buffer solution made with xanthan gum) through permeable media This was done in a one dimensional, homogenous rock formation (sandstone) for an unsteady state process. The equation was further derived showing how flow rate varies with viscosity

Materials and Method Crude oil samples

Results and Discussion

Conclusion