Pour point depression and flow improvement of waxy crude oil using polyethylene glycol esters of cashew nut shell liquid

IF 0.125 Applied Petrochemical Research Pub Date : 2021-08-09 DOI:10.1007/s13203-021-00271-1

William Iheanyi Eke, Sampson Kofi Kyei, Ozioma Achugasim, Joseph Atubokiki Ajienka, Onyewuchi Akaranta

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引用次数: 7

Abstract

Wax crystallization and deposition is a major flow assurance problem in production and transportation of waxy crude oil. Conventional flow improvers are mainly high molecular weight synthetic polymers, many of which are eco-toxic. Bio-based flow improvers derived from natural products are promising as inexpensive, eco-friendly alternatives to existing products. In this study, natural cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL) extracted from waste shells of Anacardium occidentale was esterified with polyethylene glycol (PEG). CNSL derivative reduced the pour point of waxy crude oil by 12 °C at 1000 ppm. The effects of CNSL derivatives on wax crystal morphology and micro-structure were studied by cross-polarized microscopy. Micrographs were processed and analyzed with ImageJ software. Addition of CNSL derivatives to oil resulted in changes in wax crystal morphology and micro-structure evidenced by a reduction in average crystal Feret diameter and aspect ratio and increase in boundary fractal dimension, indicative of formation of increasing number of smaller, rounder crystals. Effect of the additives on flow properties of the waxy oil was determined using a co-axial cylinder rotational viscometer. Dynamic viscosity of oil at shear rate of 17 s⁻¹ was reduced by 79.7–90.5%. CNSL-PEG esters show good prospects as low-cost additives for production, storage and pipeline transportation of waxy crude oil.

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腰果壳液聚乙二醇酯降凝和改善含蜡原油流动

蜡的结晶和沉积是含蜡原油生产和运输中的主要流动保障问题。传统的流动改进剂主要是高分子量的合成聚合物，其中许多具有生态毒性。从天然产品中提取的生物基流量改进剂有望成为现有产品的廉价、环保替代品。本研究采用聚乙二醇(PEG)为原料，对从西方Anacardium occidentale废壳中提取的天然腰果壳液进行酯化处理。CNSL衍生物在1000ppm时将含蜡原油的倾点降低了12℃。利用交叉极化显微镜研究了CNSL衍生物对蜡晶体形态和微观结构的影响。显微照片用ImageJ软件处理分析。CNSL衍生物加入到石油中导致蜡晶形态和微观结构的变化，表现为平均晶体直径和长径比降低，边界分形维数增加，表明形成了越来越多的更小、更圆的晶体。用同轴圆筒旋转粘度计测定了添加剂对含蜡油流动特性的影响。剪切速率为17 s−1时，油的动态粘度降低了79.7-90.5%。CNSL-PEG酯在含蜡原油的生产、储存和管道运输中具有良好的低成本应用前景。

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来源期刊

Applied Petrochemical Research ENGINEERING, CHEMICAL-

自引率

0.00%

发文量

审稿时长

13 weeks

期刊介绍： Applied Petrochemical Research is a quarterly Open Access journal supported by King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology and all the manuscripts are single-blind peer-reviewed for scientific quality and acceptance. The article-processing charge (APC) for all authors is covered by KACST. Publication of original applied research on all aspects of the petrochemical industry focusing on new and smart technologies that allow the production of value-added end products in a cost-effective way. Topics of interest include: • Review of Petrochemical Processes • Reaction Engineering • Design • Catalysis • Pilot Plant and Production Studies • Synthesis As Applied to any of the following aspects of Petrochemical Research: -Feedstock Petrochemicals: Ethylene Production, Propylene Production, Butylene Production, Aromatics Production (Benzene, Toluene, Xylene etc...), Oxygenate Production (Methanol, Ethanol, Propanol etc…), Paraffins and Waxes. -Petrochemical Refining Processes: Cracking (Steam Cracking, Hydrocracking, Fluid Catalytic Cracking), Reforming and Aromatisation, Isomerisation Processes, Dimerization and Polymerization, Aromatic Alkylation, Oxidation Processes, Hydrogenation and Dehydrogenation. -Products: Polymers and Plastics, Lubricants, Speciality and Fine Chemicals (Adhesives, Fragrances, Flavours etc...), Fibres, Pharmaceuticals.