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Mierez J, AlTammar MJ, Alruwaili KM, Alfaraj RT. Recent advances of ultrasound applications in the oil and gas industry. ULTRASONICS SONOCHEMISTRY 2024; 103:106767. [PMID: 38266591 PMCID: PMC10818082 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultsonch.2024.106767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
In the last two decades, ultrasound (US) technologies research has increasingly earned attention for applications in the oil and gas industry. Numerous laboratory and field research have proven ultrasonics as an efficient, sustainable and cost-effective technology for improving well productivity. This paper pursues the elaboration of a comprehensive review of the most recent research related to ultrasonic technologies for applications in the oil and gas industry. Statistical analysis of different functional categories and classification of the research publications were performed. Considering the research reviewed, there is a huge gap between numerical and field studies in comparison with the numerous laboratory studies, deeming it necessary to increase efforts on developing mathematical and numerical models and field-testing cases of the ultrasonic effect. A comprehensive review of the ultrasonic waves' mechanisms of action for enhanced oil recovery (EOR) and emulsification/demulsification was conducted. Despite the lack of consensus regarding the mechanisms, cavitation and thermal effects on wellbore fluid and formation rock have been widely accepted as two of the most influencing mechanisms. A compilation of the state-of-the-art research of numerical, laboratory and field studies in the last two decades was assembled. Most authors agreed that ultrasonics is a highly efficient method for EOR and emulsion treatment if the optimal conditions are identified and achieved. The development of screening criteria for the application of ultrasonic waves was recommended, as this technique and the same parameters should not be utilized for all reservoir types. Treatment with ultrasound waves has shown improvement of oil recovery efficiency rates of over 90% and viscosity reduction values over 80%. The most efficient results were observed when in combination with another conventional EOR method, where ultrasound boosts recovery efficiency. Potential new applications related to rock mechanics and additional research topics were also recommended.
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Ding H, Zhang H, Xie Q, Rahman A, Qiu Y. Synthesis and characterization of nano-SiO2 hybrid poly(methyl methacrylate) nanocomposites as novel wax inhibitor of asphalt binder. Colloids Surf A Physicochem Eng Asp 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfa.2022.130023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Zhang S, Li Q, Xie Q, Zhu H, Xu W, Liu Z. Mechanism Analysis of Heavy Oil Viscosity Reduction by Ultrasound and Viscosity Reducers Based on Molecular Dynamics Simulation. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:36137-36149. [PMID: 36278112 PMCID: PMC9583320 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c02198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Ultrasound and viscosity reducers are commonly used methods to reduce the viscosity of heavy oil. In order to compare the viscosity reduction effects of ultrasound and viscosity reducers and study their mechanism of interaction on heavy oil, molecular dynamics simulation was carried out in this paper. First, a molecular model of heavy oil composed of asphaltene, resin, aromatic hydrocarbon, and saturated hydrocarbon was established in this work. Through molecular dynamics simulation, the different effects of ultrasound and viscosity reducers on the viscosity reduction rate, hydrogen bond number, hydrogen bond type, and occupation rate were obtained, and the viscosity reduction mechanism of ultrasound and viscosity reducers was analyzed. By calculating the viscosity reduction rate and the number of hydrogen bonds of five oil-soluble viscosity reducers with or without ultrasound, it was found that the types of hydrogen bonds affecting the viscosity reduction effect were different with or without ultrasound or viscosity reducer, and the type and content of viscosity reducer would affect the effect of ultrasonic viscosity reduction. The amplitude, frequency, and temperature of ultrasound were also the factors affecting the effect of viscosity reducers. The simulation results helped to explain the mechanism of jointly reducing the viscosity of heavy oil by ultrasound and viscosity reducers from the microscopic point of view and provided a theoretical basis for the industrial application of ultrasound and viscosity reducers to reduce the viscosity of heavy oil.
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Molecular Dynamics Simulation and Experimental Analysis of the Effect of Ultrasonic Disposal on the Compatibility of NanoAsphalt. COATINGS 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/coatings12040424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
Based on LAMMPS molecular dynamics simulation of nano-silica(nano-SiO2) and asphalt molecular motion trajectory in the ultrasonic environment, the nano-SiO2 modified asphalt mixed model was proposed, and then the ultrasonic vibration process was simulated by the periodic displacement method. The solubility parameter and viscosity of the mixed model were simulated and calculated to reveal the compatibility changes of the modified asphalt from a microscopic perspective. Different temperatures and ultrasonic frequencies were achieved by changing the temperature parameter and the period parameter of the simple harmonic motion equation. Besides, to characterize the effect of ultrasonic vibration on the promotion of nano-SiO2-asphalt compatibility, the prepared nano-SiO2 modified asphalt was subjected to viscosity testing through viscosity change. The results show that the simulation could accurately predict the experimental phenomena, and the molecular simulation can be used as an effective method to study the properties of asphalt materials. The compatibility of nano-SiO2 and asphalt is positively correlated with ultrasonic temperature and ultrasonic frequency to some extent. The compatibility effect is best at 130 °C, 40 KHz. When the ultrasound frequency exceeds a certain value, the effect of promoting compatibility is not obvious.
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Razavifar M, Qajar J. Synergistic effects of ultrasonic irradiation and α-Fe 2O 3 nanoparticles on the viscosity and thermal properties of an asphaltenic crude oil and their application to in-situ combustion EOR. ULTRASONICS 2022; 120:106655. [PMID: 34891068 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultras.2021.106655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
In this work, the effects of ultrasonic irradiation assisted by α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles (NPs) on the evolution of viscosity and thermal properties of crude oil are evaluated. A viscous crude oil with a high amount of asphaltene (∼20% by mass) was used for ultrasonication over different exposure times and nanoparticle concentrations. The viscosity of the oil before and after ultrasonic irradiation was measured with and without nanoparticles. Experimental results indicated that the viscosity of irradiated oil containing nanoparticles at optimum conditions was lower than the viscosity of nanoparticle-free irradiated oil. The thermal behavior of the irradiated crude oil mixed with nanoparticles at optimum conditions was examined using the TGA/DTA methods. The results showed a non-complementary effect of ultrasonic irradiation and nanoparticles on the weight loss and the amount of residual oil at both the end of the pyrolysis and oxidation stages, representing that addition of the α-Fe2O3 NPs to the crude oil and the ultrasonication of the crude oil work in the opposite direction. Based on the TG/DTA data, the kinetic parameters of the pyrolysis and oxidation reactions were estimated. It was found that the simultaneous use of ultrasonic irradiation and nanoparticles sharply decreased the activation energy of the oxidation reactions, but had almost no effect on the activation energy of the pyrolysis reactions. The results of this paper provide an insight into the effectiveness of in-situ combustion enhanced oil recovery, which depends on viscosity reduction and the rate at which heat is generated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Razavifar
- School of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, Shiraz University, Shiraz 7134851154, Iran
| | - Jafar Qajar
- School of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, Shiraz University, Shiraz 7134851154, Iran.
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Otumudia E, Hamidi H, Jadhawar P, Wu K. Effects of reservoir rock pore geometries and ultrasonic parameters on the removal of asphaltene deposition under ultrasonic waves. ULTRASONICS SONOCHEMISTRY 2022; 83:105949. [PMID: 35151988 PMCID: PMC8841373 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultsonch.2022.105949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Asphaltene deposition around the wellbore is a major cause of formation damage, especially in heavy oil reservoirs Ultrasonic stimulation, rather than chemical injection, is thought to be a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly means of removing asphaltene deposition. However, it seems to be unclear how crucial features like reservoir pore geometries and ultrasonic parameters affect this ultrasound treatment. In this work, five two-dimensional glass micromodels with different pore geometries were designed to assess the impact of pore geometries on the ultrasonic removal of asphaltene deposition. Experiments were undertaken in an ultrasound bath at a set frequency (20 kHz) and adjustable powers (100-1000 W). Direct image analysis before, during and after sonication was used to assess the impact of pore geometry and a change in ultrasonic parameter on the removal of asphaltene deposition. The effectiveness of ultrasound treatment at various sonication periods were found to be reliant on the pore geometries of the individual micromodels. For micromodels with throat sizes 300 µm and pore shapes as circle, square and triangle, an increase in ultrasonic power from 400 to 1000 W resulted in an increase in the percentage of removed asphaltene deposition after 2 h from 12.6 to 14.7, 11.5 to 14.63, and 5.8 to 7.1 percent, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ephraim Otumudia
- School of Engineering, King's College, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 3UE, UK
| | - Hossein Hamidi
- School of Engineering, King's College, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 3UE, UK.
| | - Prashant Jadhawar
- School of Engineering, King's College, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 3UE, UK
| | - Kejian Wu
- School of Engineering, King's College, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 3UE, UK
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Nguele R, Okawa H. Effect of ultrasound irradiation on asphaltene aggregation and implications to rheological behavior of bitumen. ULTRASONICS SONOCHEMISTRY 2021; 80:105811. [PMID: 34717134 PMCID: PMC8567299 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultsonch.2021.105811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The present work investigates the contribution of asphaltene aggregation to bitumen viscosity subject to ultrasound irradiation. A West-African bitumen with a viscosity of 12043cP at room temperature was sonicated at low (38 kHz) and mild frequency (200 kHz) under controlled gas environment including air, nitrogen (N2) and carbon dioxide (CO2). The rheology of the bitumen, asphaltene content analyses as well as spectral studies were conducted. Herein was found that sonicating the bitumen at 200 kHz under air-environment reduces the initial viscosity up to 2079cP, which was twice larger than that obtained when a low frequency was used. In respect of the gas environment, it was shown that ultrasound irradiation under N2 environment could lower the bitumen viscosity up to 3274cP. A positive correlation between the asphaltene content and the viscosity reduction was established. The results from the spectral analyses including Fast Fourier Infrared and the observations from Scanned Electron Microscope were consistent with the rheological studies and led to the argument that the viscosity reduction results from either the scission of long chain molecules attached to the aromatic rings (when the applied frequency was altered under fixed gas environment) or the self-aggregation of asphaltene monomers (when gas environment was changed at fixed frequency).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronald Nguele
- Resource Production & Safety Engineering Laboratory, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan.
| | - Hirokazu Okawa
- Graduate School of Engineering Science, Akita University, Akita 010-8502, Japan
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Toward molecular characterization of asphaltene from different origins under different conditions by means of FT-IR spectroscopy. Adv Colloid Interface Sci 2021; 289:102314. [PMID: 33561569 DOI: 10.1016/j.cis.2020.102314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Asphaltene is one of the polar and heavy fractions of crude oil that is complex from a molecular perspective. For this reason, the interaction between asphaltene molecules and the surface, as well as the interaction of asphaltene with chemicals such as amphiphile, are not well identified. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) is a useful tool for identifying the functional groups of molecules, as well as intra-molecular and inter-molecular bonds. Through reviewing previous studies, here the peaks in an FTIR spectrum of an asphaltene molecule were divided into polar, aromatic and aliphatic groups and discussed using quantitative indices. Then, the difference in the FTIR spectrum of asphaltene with wax and resin was addressed according to molecular structure. The effect of common impurities such as moisture, CO2 and saturated and aromatic compounds of crude oil in asphaltene on the FTIR spectrum is assessed. Moreover, the application of the FTIR spectrum of asphaltene is used to determine the API value of crude oil, the asphaltene onset is given. In addition, possible changes in the FTIR spectra of asphaltene are investigated by various processes such as pyrolysis, microwave and ultrasonic radiation. Also, asphaltene subfractions is also one of the best methods to better understand asphaltene components. This study examines the FTIR spectrum of asphaltene subfractions from conventional methods and examines the spectral properties, which in many cases can be useful to researchers working in this field.
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Qiao J, Zuo K, Sun Y, Song W, Zhang X, Dai L, Wang W, Jian C. Experimental studies on the effect of ultrasonic treatment and hydrogen donors on residual oil characteristics. ULTRASONICS SONOCHEMISTRY 2020; 69:105266. [PMID: 32739731 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultsonch.2020.105266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Residual oil, the residue after the distillation of crude oil, imposes deleterious effects on refinery due to its high viscosity and asphaltene content. In this context, ultrasonic technology has been widely applied in refining processes given its high efficiency and minimal environmental impacts. To guide the selection of operation parameters, in this work, we probed the effect of treatment duration, power, and hydrogen donor on the characteristics of residual oil under ultrasonic treatments. Underlying mechanisms of ultrasonic treatments, in the absence and presence of hydrogen donors, were verified through systematically analyzing viscosity, component conversion, molecular weight, hydrogen distribution, and functional groups of residual oil. While viscosity reductions under low-power density treatment are caused by colloidal system disaggregation, high-power density treatment can bring in both chemical bond cleavage and colloidal system disaggregation. In addition, adding hydrogen donor can effectively prevent radical recombination, and thus increases the yield of saturate. These results provide fundamental understandings on the effects of ultrasonic treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianxin Qiao
- School of Mechatronics Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Kai Zuo
- China University of Petroleum (Beijing), Beijing 102249, China; CNOOC EnerTech-Drilling & Production Co., Tianjin 300452, China
| | - Yudong Sun
- College of Chemical Engineering, China University of Petroleum (Huadong), Qingdao 266580, China
| | - Wenping Song
- School of Mechatronics Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China.
| | - Xiaoxiao Zhang
- College of Chemical Engineering, China University of Petroleum (Huadong), Qingdao 266580, China
| | - Lizhou Dai
- School of Mechatronics Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Wuyi Wang
- School of Mechatronics Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Cuiying Jian
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Lassonde School of Engineering, York University, Toronto M3J 1P3, Canada.
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Kim B, Won J, Duran JA, Park LC, Park SS. Investigation of sonochemical treatment of heavy hydrocarbon by ultrasound-assisted cavitation. ULTRASONICS SONOCHEMISTRY 2020; 68:105216. [PMID: 32559720 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultsonch.2020.105216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2020] [Revised: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
A highly viscous nature of heavy oil poses challenges to transportation leading to costly operation and difficult processing. Traditional methods of upgrading unconventional hydrocarbon sources involve catalytic and thermal upgrading and these methods require high temperature and pressure. In the present study, partial upgrading of heavy hydrocarbon is studied by using cavitation and the stimulator. Cavitation is a phenomenon comprising of formation, growth and collapse of bubbles in a liquid medium. The most well-known disruptive effect of cavitation occurs during the collapse phase of bubbles. Method of inducing cavitation involves transmitting 20 kHz of ultrasound through an ultrasonic horn. A model molecule used in this study is n-hexadecane (C16). The experiments were carried out at 230 °C, atmospheric pressure and 60 min time scale. The results indicated that the conversion of n-hexadecane into R1 fraction (<C16) and R2 fraction (>C16) was 4.46% for the cavitation-assisted cracking with the stimulator. The selectivity to R1 and R2 fractions were 71% and 29%, respectively. Adding 5 vol% decalin as hydrogen donor into the cracking process yielded 9.18% conversion of n-hexadecane into R1 and R2 fractions. In addition, the selectivity to R1 and R2 fractions were 87% and 13%. This study focuses on less energy intensive process for heavy hydrocarbon by utilizing cavitation and the stimulator and how ultrasound-assisted cracking with the stimulator could be a viable alternative to treat heavy hydrocarbon at the low temperature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bomin Kim
- Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Schulich School of Engineering, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Jongho Won
- Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Schulich School of Engineering, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Jairo A Duran
- Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Schulich School of Engineering, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Lisa C Park
- Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Schulich School of Engineering, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Simon S Park
- Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Schulich School of Engineering, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada.
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Hemmati-Sarapardeh A, Dabir B, Ahmadi M, Mohammadi AH, Husein MM. Toward mechanistic understanding of asphaltene aggregation behavior in toluene: The roles of asphaltene structure, aging time, temperature, and ultrasonic radiation. J Mol Liq 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molliq.2018.04.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Salehzadeh M, Akherati A, Ameli F, Dabir B. Experimental study of ultrasonic radiation on growth kinetic of asphaltene aggregation and deposition. CAN J CHEM ENG 2016. [DOI: 10.1002/cjce.22593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Marziyeh Salehzadeh
- Department of Petroleum Engineering; Amirkabir University of Technology; Tehran Iran
| | - Ali Akherati
- Department of Chemical Engineering; Amirkabir University of Technology
| | - Forough Ameli
- Islamic Azad University of Technology; North Tehran Branch
| | - Bahram Dabir
- Department of Petroleum Engineering; Amirkabir University of Technology; Tehran Iran
- Department of Chemical Engineering; Amirkabir University of Technology
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Gayas B, Kaur G, Gul K. Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction of Apricot Kernel Oil: Effects on Functional and Rheological Properties. J FOOD PROCESS ENG 2016. [DOI: 10.1111/jfpe.12439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Bazilla Gayas
- Department of Processing and Food Engineering; Punjab Agricultural University; Ludhiana 141004 Punjab India
| | - Gagandeep Kaur
- Department of Processing and Food Engineering; Punjab Agricultural University; Ludhiana 141004 Punjab India
| | - Khalid Gul
- Department of Processing and Food Engineering; Punjab Agricultural University; Ludhiana 141004 Punjab India
- Department of Food Technology; Islamic University of Science and Technology; Awantipora Jammu & Kashmir India
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Bitumen heavy oil upgrading by cavitation processing: effect on asphaltene separation, rheology, and metal content. APPLIED PETROCHEMICAL RESEARCH 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s13203-016-0146-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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Mullakaev MS, Volkova GI, Gradov OM. Effect of ultrasound on the viscosity-temperature properties of crude oils of various compositions. THEORETICAL FOUNDATIONS OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING 2015. [DOI: 10.1134/s0040579515030094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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16
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Hamidi H, Mohammadian E, Junin R, Rafati R, Manan M, Azdarpour A, Junid M. A technique for evaluating the oil/heavy-oil viscosity changes under ultrasound in a simulated porous medium. ULTRASONICS 2014; 54:655-662. [PMID: 24075416 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultras.2013.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2013] [Revised: 09/01/2013] [Accepted: 09/04/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Theoretically, Ultrasound method is an economical and environmentally friendly or "green" technology, which has been of interest for more than six decades for the purpose of enhancement of oil/heavy-oil production. However, in spite of many studies, questions about the effective mechanisms causing increase in oil recovery still existed. In addition, the majority of the mechanisms mentioned in the previous studies are theoretical or speculative. One of the changes that could be recognized in the fluid properties is viscosity reduction due to radiation of ultrasound waves. In this study, a technique was developed to investigate directly the effect of ultrasonic waves (different frequencies of 25, 40, 68 kHz and powers of 100, 250, 500 W) on viscosity changes of three types of oil (Paraffin oil, Synthetic oil, and Kerosene) and a Brine sample. The viscosity calculations in the smooth capillary tube were based on the mathematical models developed from the Poiseuille's equation. The experiments were carried out for uncontrolled and controlled temperature conditions. It was observed that the viscosity of all the liquids was decreased under ultrasound in all the experiments. This reduction was more significant for uncontrolled temperature condition cases. However, the reduction in viscosity under ultrasound was higher for lighter liquids compare to heavier ones. Pressure difference was diminished by decreasing in the fluid viscosity in all the cases which increases fluid flow ability, which in turn aids to higher oil recovery in enhanced oil recovery (EOR) operations. Higher ultrasound power showed higher liquid viscosity reduction in all the cases. Higher ultrasound frequency revealed higher and lower viscosity reduction for uncontrolled and controlled temperature condition experiments, respectively. In other words, the reduction in viscosity was inversely proportional to increasing the frequency in temperature controlled experiments. It was concluded that cavitation, heat generation, and viscosity reduction are three of the promising mechanisms causing increase in oil recovery under ultrasound.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hossein Hamidi
- Faculty of Petroleum and Renewable Energy Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310 UTM, Johor, Malaysia; Faculty of Chemical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 40450 UiTM, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia.
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