Extra-heavy crude oil viscosity modifiers derived from common geranium extracts and their characterization

Abstract

Extra-heavy crude presents high viscosity and a considerable percentage of asphaltenes that cause problems during production and transportation, such as clogging pipes and superior requirements of pumping energy. In the last decades, its production was increased, and the use of substances that improve its flow was demanded. It is important to find new green/renewable/accessible compounds that allow viscosity reduction and substitute toxic modifiers such as toluene, naphtha, xylene, heptane, methanol, etc. This study synthesized new common geranium (Pelargonium hortorum) extracts using ethanol and the Soxhlet method. The extracts were used in concentrations of 10, 15, and 20 \% (w/v), and their effects on the viscosity of a Mexican extra-heavy crude (Altamira 8 degrees API blend) were analyzed through rheological tests. To understand the mechanisms implied in the viscosity reduction phenomena, GC-MS studies and phytochemical analyses of the extracts were carried out in order to know their main compounds. Also, asphaltenes flocculation, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy analysis (FTIR), hydrogen potential (pH), total dissolved solids (TDS), and electrical conductivity (EC) tests were performed. The research results propose further investigation with Pelargonium species to present brand-new alternative viscosity reducers with easy, cheap, and effective performance.