Extra heavy crude oil viscosity and surface tension behavior using a flow enhancer and water at different temperatures conditions

Abstract

Research reports reveal the importance of applying various substances to enhance extra-heavy crude oil pipeline transportation. During the crude oil conduction process, shearing occurs in the equipment and pipe accessories, producing a water-in-crude emulsion associated with forming a rigid film by adsorbing natural surfactant molecules in the droplets water, leading to increased Viscosity. This study presents the effect of a flow enhancer (FE) on the behavior of the Viscosity of an extra heavy crude oil (EHCO) and in emulsions formed with 5\% and 10\% water (W). The results revealed the effectiveness of the 1\%, 3\%, and 5\% flow enhancer in lowering the Viscosity and presenting a Newtonian flow behavior which will help reduce the cost of heat treatment during the transportation of crude oil through the pipeline.