Core annular flow of crude oils
US9115851B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 17, 2012 |
| Grant date | Aug 25, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 10, 2033 |
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 to flow oil through a biphasic flow system is also provided. The method includes locating an oil in the biphasic flow system; placing water within the biphasic flow system; flowing the oil through the biphasic flow system within an annular flow of water; and subjecting the water in the biphasic flow system to a salt of a polynuclear aromatic sulfonic acid additive so as to improve shear stability of the oil and water.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.