Studies on Flow of Emulsified Crude Oil through Horizontal Pipelines

Abstract

The experiments were carried out in a 1 in horizontal pipe to study the effect of water content on pressure drop during the flow of crude oil at different flow rates and temperature conditions. Crude oil collected from the North Santhal city (Mehsana) was used as test fluid. The experiments were conducted to understand the influence of the water content and temperature at different flow rates. Triton X-100 (TX-100) was mixed with water to increases the flowability of crude oil. The experiments were also carried out at different temperatures ranging from 25 to 40°C. The results show a significant influence of water as well as temperature on the pressure drop and percentage of drag reduction. The pressure drop and percentage of drag reduction were calculated on the basis of the experimental data. Maximum pressure drop was observed at 0% water fraction and at 25°C. Lower pressure drop was observed at 15% water fraction and at 40°C. Drag reductions up to 59.05% were observed at 15% water content and 40°C.