Experimental investigation of the ultrasonic wave effects on the viscosity and thermal behaviour of an asphaltenic crude oil

Recent advances in applications of power ultrasound for petroleum industry

“…Ultrasonic cavitation is used for crude oil viscosity reduction by breaking large oil molecules into smaller ones. The effects on viscosity reduction can persist due to low integration rate of broken oil molecules [92] . In addition, the dissipated acoustic energy heats oil and causes a reduction in viscosity.…”

Ultrasound-assisted desalination of crude oil: The influence of mixing extent, crude oil species, chemical demulsifier and operation variables

“…After 60 min treatment of ultrasonic irradiation, water droplets coalesced apparently for both AL and KC crude oils, wherein the coalescing rate of the former (35 μm) is higher than that of the latter (27 μm). It may be ascribed to resistant mobility of water droplets by the viscous drag force in heavy crude oil (KC), which depends on the ratio of viscosity of water to crude oil and the surface active species on water droplets [27] , [28] , [29] . Accordingly, all of water droplets in AL crude oil are larger than those in KC crude oil at the same time.…”

Application of Cavitation in Oil Processing: An Overview of Mechanisms and Results of Treatment

“…Reversibility of viscosity after exposure of oil to irradiation is associated with thermal effects of ultrasonic irradiation. In ref , the relationship between parameters of ultrasonic treatment (irradiation time, output power, frequency), viscosity, and thermal behavior of crude oil with high asphaltene content was established. The optimal irradiation time at which the viscosity of cooled irradiated product is reduced to minimal values is shown to decrease due to an increase of power and/or frequency of ultrasonic irradiation.…”