Experimental Investigation on Viscosity Change of Waxy Crude Oil Emulsion with Magnetic Field

The rheological properties of emulsions are complex, leading to serious flow assurance issues that affect the economical and safe operation of pipelines. It has been reported that applying magnetic treatment technology can effectively improve the flowability of waxy crude oil. The study aims to investigate the influence of magnetic treatment on the viscosity of waxy crude oil emulsions. A dynamic electromagnetic treatment device was designed. The dynamic magnetic treatment experiments of waxy crude oil emulsion were carried out to explore the effects of magnetic field intensity and magnetic field frequency on the viscosity change of waxy crude oil emulsion. Research results show that with four different magnetic field frequencies, the viscosity of the emulsion decreases initially and then increases with the increase in magnetic field intensity. The variation law of emulsion viscosity with magnetic field intensity is related to the magnetic field frequency. When the magnetic field frequency is 100 Hz, the highest and lowest viscosity variation rates are 7.91% and -7.36%, respectively, which occur at the magnetic field strength of 110 mT and 30 mT, respectively. It is believed that applying a higher field strength electromagnetic field to the emulsion is beneficial for viscosity reduction. The research findings can provide guidance for the further study of the viscosity reduction of waxy crude oil emulsion magnetic treatment technology.