It has been proved that the flow improver makes the transportation of waxy crude oils in pipeline much more economic and safe, but so far an universal flow improver for various waxy crude oils has not been found because of inadequately understanding the action mechanism of the flow improvers. Therefore it is necessary for the mechanism to be studied further. A series of synthetic waxy oils (SWOs) with or without flow improver GY1, a long chain alkyl acrylate polymer based chemical, are prepared from 25# transformer oil, 50#, 60# (macrocrystalline) and 80# (microcrystalline) wax, single or mixed, and in some cases 60# road asphalt by mixing the ingredients at 100°C for 1 hour. Characteristic temperatures, viscosity-temperature properties and rheological behaviors are studied by using rheological techniques, and microstructures of wax crystals grown from SWOs at 20 °C are analyzed by using a polarization microscopy. Some abnormal viscosity-temperature properties of SWOs are found, which mainly results from wax crystallization and network structure formed by wax crystals. The mechanisms involved in the structure formation and fluidity improved by chemical for SWOs are discussed here. Studies show that the structure formation is followed by the formation of crystal nuclei, growth and interconnection or bridging of the wax crystal particles, which is closely relevant to wax molecular dimension and content, crystalline particle size, shape, concentration and surface characteristics. GY1 added into the SWOs lowers their cloud points by 0–2.0 °C and enhances the amounts of wax precipitated at 30 °C by 10–35wt%, which might not be involved in the mechanisms of the fluidity improving under this study. The extent of pour point depression by GY1 increases with increasing the wax molecular size and decreasing the wax content in the SWOs. As long as the SWO treated by GY1 has a greater yield stress reduction at the temperature closed to its pour point, its viscosity and pour point reduction will be more obvious. The common shortcut of pour point depression and viscosity reduction is to inhibit or desintegrate the formation of paraffin crystal network. The mechanisms involved in fluidity improvement of waxy crude oils by chemicals include modifying surface properties of waxy crystals and promoting crystal particle growth with higher symmetry.
Skip Nav Destination
2006 International Pipeline Conference
September 25–29, 2006
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Conference Sponsors:
- Pipeline Division
ISBN:
0-7918-4261-4
PROCEEDINGS PAPER
Experimental Investigation of Rheological Behaviors and Flow Improving by Chemical for Waxy Crude Oils
Jiaqiang Jing,
Jiaqiang Jing
Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu, China
Search for other works by this author on:
Zhongyuan Guan,
Zhongyuan Guan
PetroChina, Langfang, Hebei, China
Search for other works by this author on:
Xiaoqin Xiong,
Xiaoqin Xiong
Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu, China
Search for other works by this author on:
Hua Tian,
Hua Tian
Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu, China
Search for other works by this author on:
Liwen Tan
Liwen Tan
Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu, China
Search for other works by this author on:
Jiaqiang Jing
Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu, China
Zhongyuan Guan
PetroChina, Langfang, Hebei, China
Xiaoqin Xiong
Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu, China
Hua Tian
Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu, China
Liwen Tan
Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu, China
Paper No:
IPC2006-10122, pp. 561-570; 10 pages
Published Online:
October 2, 2008
Citation
Jing, J, Guan, Z, Xiong, X, Tian, H, & Tan, L. "Experimental Investigation of Rheological Behaviors and Flow Improving by Chemical for Waxy Crude Oils." Proceedings of the 2006 International Pipeline Conference. Volume 1: Project Management; Design and Construction; Environmental Issues; GIS/Database Development; Innovative Projects and Emerging Issues; Operations and Maintenance; Pipelining in Northern Environments; Standards and Regulations. Calgary, Alberta, Canada. September 25–29, 2006. pp. 561-570. ASME. https://doi.org/10.1115/IPC2006-10122
Download citation file:
10
Views
Related Proceedings Papers
Related Articles
Rheology of Dilute Polymer Solutions and Engine Lubricants in High Deformation Rate Extensional Flows Produced by Bubble Collapse
J. Fluids Eng (March,2004)
Relationship of Chemical Composition and Moisture Sensitivity in LiNi x Mn y Co 1− X − Y O 2 for Lithium-Ion Batteries
J. Electrochem. En. Conv. Stor (November,2021)
Evaluation of Perfluorinated Polyalkylether Grease Rheology on Disk Drive Bearing Performance
J. Tribol (January,1998)
Related Chapters
General and Historical Information
Pipeline Integrity Assurance: A Practical Approach
Processing/Structure/Properties Relationships in Polymer Blends for the Development of Functional Polymer Foams
Advances in Multidisciplinary Engineering
Pipeline Integrity
Pipeline Design & Construction: A Practical Approach, Third Edition