Viscosity-reduction mechanism of waxy crude oil in low-intensity magnetic field

ABSTRACT

Magnetic technology of crude oil is a physical flow improvement method. Previous researches mostly focused on treating crude oil under strong magnetic field. The aim of this research is to study the viscosity-reduction mechanism of high-paraffin petroleum in the action of magnetic field, which is in low intensity (≤100 mT) and under magnetic stirring for long time. The morphology and structure of wax crystals were observed using polarizing microscope. Under our experiment conditions, magnetic orientation and disaggregation of wax crystals are found to be the microscopic mechanism of magnetization. Magnetic treatment can interfere with the waxy microcluster connection, thereby reducing viscosity, and characteristic temperature including wax appearance temperatures and the abnormal temperature. Crude oil viscosity could be reduced by 82% under the optimum magnetization parameters. This research can lay the theoretical foundation for technical creation of petroleum transport by magnetic technology.

KEYWORDS:

• Waxy crude oil
• magnetic field
• viscosity reduction
• magnetic orientation
• crystal disaggregation

Additional information

Funding

The study is supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China [Grant No. 51779212], National Science & Technology Major Project of China [Grant No. 2016ZX05025004-005].

Notes on contributors

Jiaqiang Jing

Jiaqiang Jing Professor, born in 1964, graduated from the department of oil and gas engineering of Southwest Petroleum University and received doctor’s degree in 2000. Now being working in SWPU and engaged in the study of the technology and theory of oil and gas storage and transportation.

Wen Shi

Wen Shi, born in 1983, studying for a doctorate at the department of oil and gas engineering of Southwest Petroleum University now. Also being working in Guangdong University of Petrochemical Technology and engaged in the study of the technology and theory of oil and gas storage and transportation.

Qi Wang

Qi Wang, born in 1982. Now being working in Guangdong University of Petrochemical Technology and engaged in the study of the technology and theory of oil and gas storage and transportation.

Bangliang Zhang

Bangliang Zhang, born in 1973, being working in Guangdong University of Petrochemical Technology and engaged in the study of the technology and theory of oil and gas storage and transportation.