Optimize Separations in Dark Crude Oil

Multiphase pipeline flow often occurs under extreme temperature and pressure conditions making offline sampling and analysis difficult or impossible. Offline samples are often manipulated through dilution or dispersion which can alter or destroy multiphase components and offline measurements often cannot be applied to make real-time process optimization and control decisions. In situ particle characterization technology enables the measurement of particle phase behavior inline without pulling samples.

Due to growing demand worldwide for petroleum-based fuels, energy industries have to increasingly rely on heavy oil reserves that pose significant challenges in production, transportation and refining. Typical features of heavy crude oil e.g. high viscosity, strong emulsion tendency, high amount of solids/contaminants etc. require novel methodologies to:

• Develop robust flow assurance strategy
• Reduce desalter upsets and fouling propensities
• Optimize oil-water separation

With in situ particle characterization technology, the lab researcher and field operator can track the entire dynamic particle and droplet system in dark crude oil at standard operating temperatures and pressures, without sampling or sample dilution. This enables engineers to:

• Understandasphaltene precipitation and prevent deposition
• Optimizecrude oil-water emulsion separations
• Controlwax and inorganic precipitation

Applications presented during the webinar include:

• Optimizing Oil-Water Separations
• Understanding Hydrate Formation Mechanisms