Emulsion pipeline technology is a simple and cost-effective method for transporting viscous crude oils. A drastic reduction in the apparent viscosity of the oil-in-water emulsion makes this technology feasible.
This paper presents and discusses the laboratory experiments to explore emulsion properties that will be the basis for the design and operation of the emulsion pipeline. Examples are presented to show the pipeline. Examples are presented to show the characteristics of the test results. A list of publications and U.S. Patents associated with the emulsion pipeline technology is included.
Emulsions are mixtures of oil and water. They are produced naturally from oil wells. which have water-drive produced naturally from oil wells. which have water-drive reservoirs or are under steam enhanced recovery. These emulsions must be treated to separate the oil and water components. The oil component is then measured and transported to its destination. If a pipeline company is to transport the crude oil, the oil should meet the specifications of the pipeline. which normally limits the water content in oil to a very low percentage.
The emulsions addressed in this paper contain much more water than that allowed by the pipeline company. Without a special arrangement, emulsions will not be permitted to the crude oil pipelines. But. emulsions, either permitted to the crude oil pipelines. But. emulsions, either naturally produced or intentionally made, can be transported in pipelines that are not subject to such restrictions. In fact, for moderate to viscous crude oils, an emulsion is a feasible and economical mode to transport oil.
The usual methods for transporting a heavy viscous crude oil include blending it with a diluent such as a light crude, or heating the crude oil and then transporting it through a well-insulated pipeline. Emulsification offers an alternative to these methods. It applies to cases where:
a new pipeline is being designed to transport a viscous crude oil;
an existing pipeline originally designed for a light crude oil is to be used for viscous crude oil; or
the carrying capacity of an existing viscous crude oil pipeline is to be upgraded.
Emulsion pipelines have economical advantages. The emulsions formulated for pipeline transportation are generally much less viscous than virgin crude oil. The pressure capacity of the pumping equipment can be pressure capacity of the pumping equipment can be reduced, or a pipeline of smaller diameter can be used. Thus, it reduces the capital investment Furthermore, compared to the heated oil pipeline, no insulation is needed and it eliminates the cost of heating the oil. Compared to the dilution technique, it eliminates the cost of the separation and transportation of the diluent. However. to insure a viable, cost-effective and trouble-free pipeline operation, the flow and separation behavior of the pipeline operation, the flow and separation behavior of the emulsions should be investigated thoroughly.
The primary objective of this paper is to present and to discuss key laboratory tests that provide information related to the rheology, stability, reconditioning, and breaking of the emulsions. Examples of typical test results are presented to show their general characteristics. Basic terminology of emulsions is Introduced to help those who are not familiar with the subject.
