Viscosity–Temperature Correlation for Crude Oils Using an Arrhenius-Type Asymptotic Exponential Function

Abstract

Practical correlation of the viscosity of typical crude oils with temperature and gravity is presented. The temperature dependence of oil viscosity is described using an Arrhenius-type asymptotic exponential function. The parameters of this equation are correlated with the American Petroleum Institute (API) gravity. This approach to developing empirical correlations is verified by comparison to experimental data. It is demonstrated that the present approach yields an accurate correlation of oil viscosity with a simple equation.

Keywords:

• crude oil
• viscosity
• temperature
• gravity
• Arrhenius equation
• Vogel-Tammann-Fulcher equation

Notes

^a The reported values are given by Hashim and Hassaballah (2003). The calculated values of error are based on the viscosity values reported by Hashim and Hassaballah (2003). The present values are those obtained in the present study.