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Keywords

Emulsion, rheology, Pressure drop, Low API crude oil, nanoparticles

Document Type

Research Paper

Abstract

The transportation of crude oil naturally, including emulsion from the wellhead to the processing facility, presents a challenge in the oil industry, particularly as wells age and the production of associated water increases. To improve the flowability of the emulsified oil, traditional methods for reducing the viscosity, such as dilution and heating, are costly and energy-intensive. However, nanotechnology offers a potential solution to improve flowability and crude oil behavior. This paper examines how adding 3% wt of surface-modified silicon dioxide (SiO2) and magnesium oxide (MgO) nanoparticles impacts the flow properties of an emulsion containing East Baghdad crude oil. The investigation is conducted across different water cut levels (5%, 35%, 50%, and 75% v/v) within a horizontal pipe 0.0145 m inner diameter and 13m in length. The effect of these nanoparticles on emulsion stability, rheology, viscosity, pressure drop, and energy consumption was studied. The rheology study found that the best results were achieved by adding surface-modified nano silica at 3%, which significantly reduced viscosity with shear thinning behavior. Adding 3% nano-silica obtained a highly stable emulsion and a higher reduction of 69% in power consumption for pumping the fluid. In comparison, a 25% increase in power consumption was achieved by adding the same concentration of MgO.

References

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Highlights

As oil wells age, water content rises, creating stable emulsions at 50% water cut. 3% modified Nanosilica enhances flow and reduces viscosity. 3% MgO addition significantly alters fluid behavior at high water cuts. Power consumption decreases with SiO2-added emulsions.

DOI

10.30684/etj.2024.147425.1710

First Page

1169

Last Page

1178

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