Core annular flow of heavy crude oils in transportation pipelines and production wellbores
US8298997B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 14, 2007 |
| Grant date | Oct 30, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 26, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/0391
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method is provided for enhancing the shear stability of a high-viscosity fluid-water flow system, such as a core annular flow system. The method employs a family of demulsifier additives for maintaining separation of the fluids in biphasic flow. The additive family is sodium salts of polynuclear aromatic sulfonic acids. In one aspect, the high-viscosity fluid is heavy oil. A method of transporting heavy oil through a tubular body is also provided. The method includes pumping the heavy oil through the tubular body within an annular flow of water, and subjecting the water in the tubular body to a salt of a polynuclear, aromatic sulfonic acid additive so as to improve shear stability of the heavy oil and water.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.