A correlation for predicting liquid viscosities of petroleum fractions

Abstract

A correlation has been developed for estimating the liquid viscosities of petroleum fractions at 100°F and at 210°F. When used with the ASTM viscosity chart (or its analytical equivalent), the new correlation provides a method for the prediction of viscosity‐temperature behavior of fractions from the Watson characterization factor and specific gravity. Essentially an extension of an API Data Book viscosity nomograph, the proposed correlation substantially improves on the accuracy and increases the range of applicability of this method. Greatest accuracy is achieved for petroleum fractions in the kerosene to heavy gas oil range, although acceptable accuracy for most engineering calculations is also obtained for lube oils and for many complex pure heavy hydrocarbons.

Generalized method for predicting viscosities of petroleum fractions

“…The calculations require no iterations, so that the whole procedure may be easily carried out on a calculator. Table 2 gives a comparison of the Watson plots (I 935), the correlations of Abbott et al (1970Abbott et al ( , 1971, and this work for the In conclusion, the Watson plots or API Technical Data Book viscosity nomograph can be generated by using a correspondingstates principle based on the viscosities of two reference fluids. With a suitable choice of reference fluids and of the reference equation, the Watson plots can not only be represented accurately by a simple analytic equation, but significantly extended to a wider range of applicability.…”

“…Abbott et al (1970Abbott et al ( , 1971 have reduced the API nomograph to equations. In the comparison shown in Table 2, the Abbott correlations agree with the Watson plots quite well except at the high viscosity levels.…”

Hydrocarbon Systems Viscosity Prediction from Fluid Pressures

“…Viscosity prediction correlations, at two or more temperatures, developed through the use of nomographs to calculator and computer programs (Abbott et al, 1970;Arnold, 1984). Latter viscosity prediction correlations employed empirical models based on pressure functions at operating system conditions.…”

Thermodynamic and rheological properties of solid-liquid systems in coal processing. Quarterly technical report: March 1, 1993 to May 31, 1993

“…Models when fully developed will give the solid-liquid phase equilibrium properties and viscosities as factors of temperature and pressure for known molecular weight distribution and structural characterization of the coal liquid. To accomplish this well, the project requires three tasks: (1) Solid-liquid phase equilibrium models development: This will require data compilations for vapor pressures of solids and available single and multi-component solid-liquid phase equilibrium data. Model development will include models for thermodynamics of solids such as in coal products, thermodynamics of defined solid-liquid systems and finally application to complex coal derived products.…”