Viscosity Of Heavy Oil Research Articles

A study of the effectiveness of chemical additives on the characteristic flow of crude oils

This article aims to study the effect of the concentration with additives on the kinematic viscosity of crude oils. Additionally, the influence of solvents that reduces the viscosity of heavy oil with significance to their functions in the flow rate of crude oil, which is transported by conveyor pipes to long distances. Different concentrations of polymers with different types named as Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) were tested in order to analyze the experimental data. The results demonstrate that the impact of the additives to the viscosity and comparing at different temperatures. The data can be used to investigate the types of additives that can increase or reduce the viscosity of crude oils. Furthermore, the outcomes show that the addition of PVC at a concentration of (100ppm) and temperature range (30-50 CO) reduces the viscosity of crude oil to the ultimate value the 12.63% at 30Co. However, the viscosity decreases drastically up to (100ppm), and then the amount of viscosity is increased.

An innovative graphene- supercapacitor for the treatment of crude oil viscosity at low temperatures

The key idea is to reduce the Iraqi crude oil viscosity, and enhance its rheological properties during its pipeline transportation at low temperatures. To achieve this objective, four different graphene supercapacitor designs are tested, by the application of various electric field intensities as: 14 V cm −1 , 18 V cm −1 , and 22 V cm −1 , and the addition of three different graphene concentrations as: 0 wt%, 25 wt%, and 50 wt%, at temperatures: 1.5 °C, 0 °C, and −3 °C performed on 31 °API crude oil. The optimum conditions are found using Statistica software as: 22 V cm −1 for electric field intensity and 36.9 wt% for graphene addition. The results at these optimum conditions showed a dynamic viscosity reduction by 54.6%, 64.8%, and 73.7%, at 1.5 °C, 0 °C, and −3 °C respectively. While causes mass flow rate improvement by 26.7%, 37.5%, and 55.3%, at 1.5 °C, 0 °C, and -3 °C respectively. The viscosity reduction lasts for about 11 h before the viscosity builds up again. • We design new graphene supercapacitor. • We test the manufactured graphene supercapacitor in crude oil pipe at low temperatures. • We optimize the conditions of applying the electric field through the graphene supercapacitor to reduce the viscosity of heavy crude oil. • A significant improvement in flow characteristics have been revealed at optimum conditions.

Simulation and experimental investigation of dielectric and magnetic nanofluids in reduction of oil viscosity in reservoir sandstone

High demand in the reduction of viscosity of heavy oil from reservoir sandstone has been a great interest with the applications of electromagnetic (EM) assisted for the enhanced oil recovery. Therefore, the conversion of EM waves properties into the reservoir region must be taken into consideration and the interaction between the reservoir fluids and the solid phases. In this study, the rheological and adsorption effect of Fe 3 O 4 , ZnO, Al 2 O 3, SiO 2, and CuO at high temperature and pressure on reservoir sandstone have been simulated using Biovia material studio and experimentally investigated with the effect of electromagnetic waves. The measurement of the viscosity are at a different shear rate for dielectric and magnetic nanofluids. The viscosity of the crude oil varies over a range of shear rates (100–2000 s −1 ) and temperatures (25–120 °C), the crude oil exhibited extremely high viscosity at a low shear rate and low temperature, and gradually drifts to lower viscosity at the reservoir conditions (2000 s −1 - 119 °C). It was revealed from the result that Fe 3 O 4 Nanofluid exhibits better performance compares to ZnO, and Al 2 O 3 at a high shear rate (2000, 1500, and 1000 s −1 ) at reservoir condition. Nanofluid shows Newtonian behavior with an increase in shear rate and the viscosity of the oil decrease with an increase in temperature. As the dispersion of the particles increases, the interactions between the components of sandstone crude Oil and nanoparticles also increased, that favors viscosity reduction which in turn increase the fluid mobility. • The mechanism behind the viscosity reduction caused by Nanofluid is explained. • Different Nanofluid (Fe 3 O 4 , ZnO, Al 2 O 3 , SiO 2 , and CuO) at high temperature and high pressure were investigated. • Oil recovery prediction using Multiple linear regression model are explained. • Modelling of reservoir properties using geo-electric and petrophysical properties were estimated.

Review on new heavy oil viscosity reduction technologies

Lots of gum and asphaltene in heavy oil caused high viscosity, high density and poor fluidity, which makes it very difficult to exploit and transport heavy oil. This paper introduces the mechanism and application of five new viscosity reduction technologies, including microbial viscosity reduction technology, biosurfactant viscosity reduction technology, ultrasonic viscosity reduction technology, magnetic treatment viscosity reduction technology and supercritical carbon dioxide viscosity reduction technology. At present, single viscosity reduction technology is difficult to solve the problem of heavy oil production and transportation. So the development direction of heavy oil viscosity reduction technology is the composite use of various technologies. In the future, it is necessary to develop new viscosity reduction technologies suitable for heavy oil production and transportation from the perspective of studying the structure and performance of heavy oil.

Investigating the Viscosity Reduction of Heavy Crude Oil Using Organic Materials to Improve Oil Production and Transportation

Crude oil is an unprocessed petroleum product. This substance is hydrocarbon deposits and organic materials. It’s utilized in several ways. It is utilized in industries, transfers, and dynamic. Heavy crude oil and bitumen are difficult to extract and treat from their resources due to their increased viscosity, limited mobility, and high carbon-to-hydrogen atomic ratios. So organic ingredients would be required to minimize crude oil viscosity. The viscosity of crude oil is a major issue for oil producers and transporters. The usefulness of waste biomaterials as viscosity reduction agents was investigated on heavy crude oils from Oman. This research collected natural materials to examine how they influenced the oil’s viscosity. Date nutshell and kernel are chosen organic materials. Using waste biomaterials instead of chemical additive is more eco- friendly. This project investigated three variables (size of particles, amount of materials powder and temperature). The higher the organic matter particle size, the greater the influence on lowering crude oil viscosity. Moreover, the lowering mass of powder has higher influence on lowering the viscosity of heavy crude oil. Also, when the temperature rises, the viscosity of heavy crude oil decreases.

Recyclable surface-functionalized Fe3O4 particles for heavy oil viscosity reduction

The main objective of this study is to design and apply surface-functionalized Fe3O4 particles to reduce the viscosity of heavy oil from Shengli Oilfield and to study the mechanism of viscosity reduction. Fe3O4 particles were synthesized by the co-precipitation method and modified with 3-propyl trimethoxysilane (KH570), oleic acid (OA), and triethoxyvinylsilane (A151) to obtain Fe3O4–KH570, Fe3O4-OA, and Fe3O4-A151, respectively. The particles were characterized through Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), and Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS). The contact angle and dispersion stability in kerosene were evaluated. The average net degree of viscosity reduction (%DVR) of Fe3O4–KH570, Fe3O4-OA, and Fe3O4-A151 on Chenping heavy oil at 50 °C is 27.91%, 51.27%, and 29.44%, respectively. The surface functionalization of asphaltene aggregates, the improvement of lipophilicity, and dispersion stability after destruction are the main reasons for the decrease of heavy oil viscosity. Particle size and the ability to adsorb asphaltenes have no direct relationship with DVR. It was also confirmed that the modified Fe3O4 particles can effectively recycle from the oil under a magnetic field. This work developed a kind of recyclable Fe3O4 particles for heavy oil viscosity reduction, which was beneficial to lower the cost in heavy oil recovery.

Synthesis of a Heavy‐Oil Viscosity Reducer Containing a Benzene Ring and Its Viscosity Reduction Mechanism

AbstractIn this study, a small molecular viscosity reducer containing benzene ring was synthesized and evaluated its ability of dispersing asphaltenes and resins. It is helpful for introduction of polar groups to dispersing asphaltene. Benzene ring structure can make viscosity reducer molecules penetrate into the stacking structure of asphaltene and resin better. The long carbon chain in the molecule can interact with paraffin to change the crystalline state of paraffin and reduce the viscosity of heavy oil. Therefore, viscosity reducer has the function of reducing viscosity of heavy oil. And the smaller molecular weight can effectively avoid the phenomenon of viscosity increase in the process of viscosity reduction due to the excessive molecular weight of viscosity reducer. The experimental results show that VR‐1 has good viscosity reduction ability. And VR‐1 has excellent effect on the dispersion of asphaltene and the reduction of particle size. The mechanism of viscosity reduction is studied, and the results are consistent with the experimental results.

Three-Dimensional Physical Simulation of Heavy Oil Exploitation by Hot Solvent Injection

To improve the thermal effects of solvents on heavy oil reservoirs and realize the combined action of multiple flooding mechanisms, such as solvent heating and extraction, without steam mixing, based on the M Block heavy oil reservoir in Canada, three sets of comparative hot solvent-assisted gravity drainage experiments under different temperatures and pressures were carried out through an indoor three-dimensional (3D) physical simulation device. The development characteristics of the solvent chamber in the hot solvent-assisted gravity drainage technology were studied under different pressures and temperatures, and the recovery factor, cumulative oil exchange rate, and solvent retention rate were analyzed. The results showed that due to the effect of gravity differentiation, the development morphology of the solvent chamber could be divided into three stages: rapid ascent, lateral expansion, and slow descent. When the temperature was constant, the reservoir pressure decreased, the recovery rate increased, the cumulative oil exchange rate increased, and the solvent retention rate decreased; when the pressure was constant, the temperature increased, the viscosity of heavy oil decreased, the recovery rate increased, the cumulative oil exchange rate increased, and the solvent retention rate was low. Additionally, the study also showed that for hot solvents in different phases, the use of hot solvent vapor not only required less injected solvent but also exhibited a high oil production rate, which shortened production time and reduced energy consumption. Moreover, the oil recovery rate was higher than 60%, the solvent retention rate was lower than 10%, and the cumulative oil exchange rate was higher than 3 t / t , which constituted better economic benefits and provided a reliable theoretical basis for onsite oilfield applications.

Detection and optimization of viscous oil viscosity and vissity reducer in alx gas well

The optimum viscosity of heavy oil is the key index to maintain the normal production of gas wells. This paper designs a new detection and optimization method of visit oil visibility and visibility reducer in alx gas well. Firstly, through the flow pattern criterion and flow pattern distribution diagram of gas-liquid two-phase flow in horizontal pipe, the propagation velocity of wave in the downstream is determined by extreme value method, and the maximum viscosity equation of heavy oil carried by air in annular fog state is established. Then, according to the maximum viscosity equation, the maximum viscosity of the heavy oil carried by the gas flow is 513.7 MPa. Finally, taking alx gas well as an example, 11 kinds of viscosity reducer were selected from water-based viscosity reducer and oil-based viscosity reducer. Under the conditions of wellhead temperature of 9 ° C and bottom hole temperature of 34 ° C, five samples with different concentrations were mixed with heavy oil, the rheological properties of the sample set were tested, and the rheological parameters and apparent viscosity of heavy oil were calculated. The experimental results show that low dosage of oil-based tackifier can effectively reduce the viscosity of heavy oil, and the optimal dosage range is 22% to 25%.

One-step preparation of Cu/BC catalyzed the upgrading of heavy oil assisted by microwave

As a clean and efficient means to reduce the viscosity of heavy oil, microwave has broad research prospects in the field of heavy oil upgrading. For the microwave-assisted heavy oil upgrading process, the catalyst research has not made a breakthrough for a long time. In this study, a one-step method was used to load copper on biochar (BC) to prepare a catalyst (Cu/BC) in microwave, which can be used as a catalyst and microwave absorbing medium in the microwave-assisted upgrading process of heavy oil. The effect of the catalyst on the upgrading of heavy oil under different microwave reaction conditions was studied. The results show that the catalyst prepared by impregnation concentration of 0.15M metal salt has the best catalytic upgrading effect on heavy oil at a microwave temperature of 260 °C for 20 min, and the viscosity reduction rate of heavy oil reaches 78.55%. Under the action of the functional groups on the surface of the catalyst and the metal, the long-chain macromolecular hydrocarbons in the heavy oil were cracked into small molecular hydrocarbons, resulting in a decrease in the viscosity of the heavy oil. The analysis results show that the catalyst also has a positive effect on promoting the breaking of C–S bonds in heavy oil. The application of metal-supported biochar catalyst provides a new idea for the study of the viscosity reduction reaction of heavy oil under microwave irradiation.

Анализ волнового воздействия на изменение реологических характеристик тяжелой нефти

The review will analyze the wave method of influencing reservoir systems, such as acoustic, and assessthe effectiveness of this method on changing the characteristics of the reservoir system. In this work, various studies will be carried out on the practical application of wave methods. The influence of the wave methodon the components and viscosity of heavy crude oil will also be studied.

П Р О М Ы С Л О В Ы Е В Е Т Р Я Н Ы Е Э Л Е К Т Р О С ТА Н Ц И И ДЛЯ ДОБЫЧИ ТЯЖЕЛОЙ НЕФТИ И ПРИРОДНЫХ БИТУМОВ

Available oil fields are being depleted. But explored reserves of heavy oil and natural bitumen in the world are known to be at least 5.6 trillion barrels, which is about 2 times more than discovered reserves of conventional oil. To produce these hy- drocarbons, the formation must be heated to greatly reduce the viscosity of heavy oil and bitumen. Existing methods use superheated steam to heat the formation for 2-6 months. Steam is generated using natural gas and clean water. This leads to the release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere and to the deple- tion of rivers. To reduce the damage to nature, it is proposed to heat the formation simultaneously with steam and electrical current passing through the formation. It is proposed to use the electricity of the field wind farms designed with a vertical axis of rotation of the turbine. The design scheme of the station pro- vides stability in storm winds without a foundation, it can be mounted in 3-4 days, it is transportable and much less expensive than turbines with a horizontal axis of rotation. The technical characteristics of such field wind farms are discussed.

Experimental Study on Heavy Oil Drag Reduction in Horizontal Pipelines by Water Annular Conveying

Transportation of heavy oil by the so-called water-ring technique is a very promising method by which pressure drop and pollution can be significantly reduced. Dedicated experiments have been carried out by changing the phase’s density, viscosity, velocity and interfacial tension to systematically analyze the characteristics of the water ring. On the basis of such experimental data, a mathematical model for pressure drop prediction has been introduced. This research shows that as long as the density of oil and water remains the same, a concentric water ring can effectively be formed. In such conditions, the oil-water viscosity difference has little effect on the shape of water ring, and it only affects the pressure drop. The greater the viscosity of heavy oil, the smaller the pressure drop of the oil-water ring transportation system. The influence of phases’ interfacial tension on the characteristics and pressure drop of the heavy oil-water ring can be considered negligible. The pressure drop prediction model introduced on the basis of the Buckingham’s principle provides values in good agreement (95%) with the experimental data.

Evaluation of Chemical Application as Pilot to Improve Oil Production from High Viscous Oil in Sandstone Reservoir

Chemical injection stimulation is one of worldwide proven technologies for viscosity reduction and mobility enhancement. The principle mechanism is to reduce heavy oil viscosity by injecting of active chemical agent solution into reservoir as huff and buff practice, the agent solution is act at near wellbore area by remove plugging of heavy organic material, Energy support due to large quantity of stimulation liquid being injected into the formation, viscosity reduction by emulsification and micro-emulsion which will greatly enhance oil mobility; therefore, accelerate oil recovery and reduce interfacial tension (IFT); therefore, increase oil recovery. as global oil industry many technologies introduced to Sudanese oil fields such as chemical which had been implemented in 2018 to increase oil production by developing high viscous oil reservoirs. The pilot was done in two wells in Moga and Fula fields; they are located at southern part of western escarpment trend of Fula sub-basin, Main oil-bearing distributes in Aradeiba, Bentiu and Abu Gabra formations. Bentiu formation was selected for pilot, it is consolidated medium productive sand stone reservoir as per well test interpretation productivity index is 0.05 to 0.2 bbl/day/psia, PVT features: low bubble point pressure, low gas oil ratio (GOR), viscosity at initial pressure between 396–5902 mPa.s and 8986–13880 mPa.s at surface pressure and 29°C, permeability lab test results show strong heterogeneity formation. This paper discusses the chemical injection as enhanced oil recovery (EOR) application in block-6, investigate and evaluate pilot results, then discuss lesson learned from this pilot. Basic reservoir engineering principles and lab test result had been used to calculate production and reservoir parameters before and after implementation. The results of first well shows instantaneous downhole fluid level (DFL) raising about 129 m and remain stable while same pump speed was maintained after the chemical injection, the water cut dropped from 64% to 42% and Oil rate jumped from 95 BOPD to 204 BOPD. second well shows bad performance post the chemical injection and the oil rate decreased from 60 to 40 BOPD and WC increased from 70% to 93% due to well located in the down dip close to OWC and strong reservoir pressure support.

Rhamnolipids produced under aerobic/anaerobic conditions: Comparative analysis and their promising applications

This research comprises a comparative study of the properties, rhl genes expression, and structural difference in rhamnolipids produced under different oxygen conditions via Pseudomonas sp. CH1. The critical micelle concentration (CMC) of rhamnolipids produced under aerobic conditions (RAO) was 100 mg/L. In contrast, rhamnolipids produced under anaerobic conditions (RNO) had a low CMC of 40 mg/L. RNO comprised six rhamnolipids homologs, and the proportion of mono-rhamnolipids was up to 87.83%; meanwhile, the percent ratio of di-rhamnolipids and mono-rhamnolipids in RAO was 63.1:36.9. Additionally, diversified applications for solubilization of hydrophobic pollutants and reduction in heavy oil viscosity were investigated. The addition of RNO greatly enhanced the solubility of phenanthrene in water, from 1.29 mg/L to 193.14 mg/L, a 148.7-fold increase. Moreover, the viscosity of heavy oil decreased by over 90% for both kinds of rhamnolipids, whereas RAO effectively reduced the viscosity even at a low temperature (10 °C). The findings of this study provide insights into the versatile potential applications of rhamnolipids produced under different oxygen conditions.

Enhanced aquathermolysis of heavy oil catalysed by bentonite supported Fe(III) complex in the present of ethanol

AbstractBACKGROUNDPrevious research on the aquathermolysis of heavy oil has ignored the relationship between exogenous catalysts and in‐situ inorganic minerals when the reaction temperature is high.RESULTSA series of bentonite‐supported transition metal complexes was synthesized and used in the aquathermolysis of heavy oil; among them, B@Fe(III)L was the most effective one. Under optimal conditions, 0.5% catalyst and 10% ethanol reacted at 250 °С for 4 h can reduce the viscosity of heavy oil by 84.5%. elemental analysis (EL), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), group composition, and analysis show that the catalyst enhances the destruction process of resin and asphaltene, promotes the more complete cracking reaction of most macromolecular components, and increases the proportion of light fraction of heavy oil. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis also indicated that B@Fe(III)L can help to decrease the polar substances in heavy oil and reduce the aromaticity of polar substances.CONCLUSIONThe B@Fe(III)L prepared can enhance the destruction process of resin and asphaltene, promote the more complete cracking reaction of most macromolecular components, and increase the proportion of light fraction of heavy oil, thereby reducing the viscosity of heavy oil. Therefore, B@Fe(III)L can achieve efficient in‐situ viscosity reduction, and this work promotes related research and applications in this field. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).

Evolution of the Properties and Composition of Heavy Oil by Injecting Dry Boiler Flue Gas.

As the increasing pressure to carbon peak and carbon neutral has brought carbon capture and storage (CCS) to the forefront as an emission mitigation tool, greater attention is being paid to the potential for injecting dry boiler flue gas (DBFG) into oil reservoirs. With the aim to directly inject DBFG with steam into heavy oil reservoirs, this study presents the results of a laboratory investigation of the effect of DBFG on the properties and composition of heavy oil by viscosity measurement, pressure–volume–temperature measurement, high-temperature and high-pressure experiment, and high-resolution mass spectrometry analysis. The results of the experiments show that adding 0.5 wt % particulate matter has no obvious influence on the viscosity of heavy oil. DBFG dissolved in heavy oil can reduce viscosity, increase the flow capability, and make the heavy oil volume swell. Heavy oil is oxidized with DBFG at 140 °C, which is mainly caused by the O2 in the DBFG, and the oxidation product is alcohol. The findings of the beneficial effect of DBFG on viscosity and swelling factor and the negligible negative effect of the small amount of nitrogen oxides, sulfides, and particulate matter in DBFG are very encouraging. It is expected that DBFG can be directly injected into heavy oil, not only for enhanced oil recovery (EOR) but also for reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases and pollutants, as well as for saving costs.

A waste biomass-derived photothermic material with high salt-resistance for efficient solar evaporation

Effective use of solar energy to produce steam for solving the problem of global shortage of fresh water is considered to be a promising technology. In this work, we reported a low-cost, high-efficient, waste biomass-derived solar evaporator with Janus structure was readily constructed from porous pomelo peel (PP). This multifunctional photothermal sponge has a hydrophobic top layer and a hydrophilic bottom layer to prevent the accumulation of salt on the surface of the evaporator, ensuring high efficiency and stable water vapor output. After hydrophobic modification of one side of freeze-dried PP, MXene was sprayed on the Janus PP (JPP), the interfacial solar energy driven water evaporation can be effectively realized for seawater desalination. The evaporation rate and solar thermal conversion efficiency of JPP@MXene (JPP@M) under simulated sunlight irradiation with one sun (1 kW m−2) were 1.48 kg m−2·h−1 and 92.3% respectively. Under simulated sunlight irradiation of 1 sun, a high efficiency evaporation performance could be maintained after 50 cycles. In addition, JPP@M could be used to effectively reduce the viscosity of heavy crude oil through solar-assisted heating, resulting in effective purification. Moreover, JPP@M exhibited excellent antibacterial property, which is more important for biomass samples. This cost-efficient, sustainable and eco-friendly photothermic sponge is expected to be used for large-scale wastewater treatment and clean water generation.

Experimental investigation of liquid viscosity's effect on the flow behaviour and void fraction in a small diameter bubble column: How much do we know?

The viscosities of heavy oils and bitumen are significantly above those of water and light crude oil and are found in the oil and gas, polymer, metallurgical, and process industries. Unfortunately, little research attention has been given to the void fraction, and the behaviours of such flows as bubbles rise over them in bubble columns. How the liquid viscosity influences the behaviour of these flows and void fraction were examined using the electrical capacitance tomography (ECT), level swell technique and visual technique with a high-speed camera. It was found that: an excellent agreement was achieved within ±10% for comparison between the obtained void fraction using both techniques for all the liquid viscosities considered. In contradiction to previous findings, an increase in liquid viscosity provokes a corresponding increase in the void fraction, yet the influence is seen to reverse for gas superficial velocities beyond 0.25 m/s. In concordance with Mori et al. (1999)'s observations, a liquid viscosity increment brings about a corresponding decrease in the bubble frequency. The Taylor bubble's rise velocity was heavily dependent on the liquid viscosity range, whereby increases in liquid viscosity bring about a rise in the flow distribution coefficient. The bubble drift velocity, on the contrary, reduces with increasing liquid viscosity.

A sustainable, ultratough, and ready‐to‐use adhesive heating patch driven by solar/electric dual energy

AbstractDeveloping a versatile and durable photothermal coating is of great interest for the future large‐scale utilization of abundant solar energy. However, existing photothermal coatings that rely on the assembly of rigid solar absorbing nanomaterials have often limitations in both mechanical robustness and multienergy coupling for sustainable heating. Here, we report a ready‐to‐use and ultratough adhesive heating patch with the integrated abilities of photo‐/electrothermal conversion and damage self‐diagnosis. The patch is composed of interconnected carbon microfibers filtrated with photo‐curable self‐adhesive resin that can readily stick on the substrate, and postcuring rapidly toughens the patch resulting in high mechanical toughness (9.1 MJ/m3), high electrical conductivity (5 S/cm), strong adhesion (0.7‐4.6 MPa), as well as high solar‐thermal conversion (∼ 85.3%) and Joule heating (81.6°C/W) efficiencies. To demonstrate its application, the adhered patch on oil pipelines can rapidly reduce the viscosity of heavy crude oil to ∼100 Pa s under the action of solar radiation or Joule heating, allowing for oil's easy flow in pipelines in all‐weather and, thus, alleviating the use of expensive fired heaters at heating stations.