The Influence of Separated Fractions on Crude Oil Viscosity

Abstract

To solve the problem of heavy oil production, the properties of heavy oil and separated fractions of oil (saturates, aromatics, resin, asphaltene) were determined by the technologies of scanning electron microscope, energy spectrum analysis, and so on. The results show that the heavy oil viscosity decreased significantly with temperature increase and the turning point of temperature will change with different properties of heavy oil. The sequence of the influences of heavy oil components on its viscosity is: asphaltenes > resins > aromatics > saturates. The asphaltene is a primary influential factor among them. The contents of S, Cl, O, N, and mental elements (Ni, V) in Tahe heavy oil are relatively higher than that of ordinary crude oil. The viscosity of heavy oil will increase when the transition metal ions and organic heterocyclic elements form a stable complex. Now, there are few systematic studies on the influence of heavy oil separated fractions on its viscosity. The research will provide guidance for the exploitation technology of other heavy oil fields.