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Characteristics of heavy‐oil‐in‐water emulsions containing produced sand
Author(s) -
Jamaluddin A. K. M.,
Bowen C. T.,
Gillies R.,
Small M.,
Nazarko T. W.
Publication year - 1994
Publication title -
the canadian journal of chemical engineering
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.404
H-Index - 67
eISSN - 1939-019X
pISSN - 0008-4034
DOI - 10.1002/cjce.5450720229
Subject(s) - emulsion , viscosity , dispersion (optics) , materials science , polymer , oil sands , water in oil , chemical engineering , composite material , asphalt , physics , optics , engineering
Abstract Heavy‐oil‐in‐water (o/w) emulsions containing produced sand were prepared using commercially available emulsifiers. The emulsions were tested in beakers for emulsion type, quality, and sand‐retention characteristics. The apparent viscosities of the o/w emulsions were measured. The effects of polymer addition on the apparent viscosity and sand‐carrying capability of the emulsions were also studied. The results of the breaker tests indicate that most emulsifier solutions water‐wet the beaker wall and temporarily improve heavy‐oil flow characteristics. However, most of the chemicals also water‐wet the sand particles and cause sand dropout. The Flothin F2 chemical alone showed stable oil dispersion and, in combination with the Flocon 4800C polymer, showed very good sand‐retention, viscosity‐reduction, and stable oil‐dispersion characteristics.