Experimental Design Approach to Investigate the Effects of Operating Factors on the Surface Tension, Viscosity, and Stability of Heavy Crude Oil-in-Water Emulsions

Abstract

In this article, the effects of various operating factors on the surface tension, viscosity, and stability of two heavy oil types in water emulsions for pipeline transportation are studied using the Taguchi experimental design approach. The surface tension of heavy crude oil-in-water emulsion is decreased by increasing the emulsifier concentration while the stability of emulsions is increased. The viscosity and stability are increased by an increase in oil content. An increase in the salinity and mixing speed leads to an increase in the stability of emulsion. © 2013 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.