Influence of Ionic Liquids on the Viscoelastic Properties of Crude Oil Emulsions

Abstract

Thermochemical treatments are traditionally employed to perform the separation between the oil and water phases in the petroleum industry. The chemical agents have the function of reducing the barrier rigidity formed by natural surfactants present in the emulsion, thus favoring destabilization. The main objective of this study was to analyze the viscoelastic properties of samples composed of water and a crude oil with the addition of distinct ionic liquids. The methodology used to obtain the interfacial properties was the pedant drop technique. The results showed that the addition of the ionic liquids induced a reduction in the interfacial elasticity and an increase in the compressibility of interfacial films. It was also observed that an enhancement in the alkyl chain length has a positive effect on changing the interfacial properties. The ionic liquid with the highest alkyl chain length investigated ([C 12 min] + [NTf 2 ] − ) showed the ability to produce the more elastic films for the crude oil investigated.

Effect of Aromatic and Aliphatic Pendants in Poly(maleic acid amide-co-vinyl acetate) on Asphaltene Precipitation in Heavy Oil

“…Series II copolymers only work as steric blocking layers among asphaltenes. 10,12,16 Aromatic pendant endows the copolymers strong adsorption to asphaltenes, and the aliphatic side chain gives the copolymers steric blocking ability. However, with only an aromatic pendant, copolymers can only adsorb on the surface of asphaltenes, but not hinder the aggregation of asphaltenes since there are no blocking pendants.…”

“…To solve these problems, asphaltene dispersants have been developed and widely applied worldwide . Several approaches − are available for stabilizing asphaltenes and preventing them from deposition, in which chemical dispersant is an effective one. A valid chemical dispersant generally contains an “anchoring” aromatic or polar group, which attaches itself to the surface of asphaltenes, and a “blocking” aliphatic group, which blocks asphaltenes from forming big clusters.…”

“…A valid chemical dispersant generally contains an “anchoring” aromatic or polar group, which attaches itself to the surface of asphaltenes, and a “blocking” aliphatic group, which blocks asphaltenes from forming big clusters. The reported dispersants include amphiphilic molecules such as dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid derivatives, alkylphenols, , ionic liquid, − and macromolecules such as polyoxide, polyolefin alkylamine, and polyesteramide as well as α-olefins and maleic anhydride derivatives. − …”

Application of Ionic Liquids for Chemical Demulsification: A Review

“…Some ionic liquids possess amphiphilic structure which enables them to have affinity to both water and oil phases [ 15 , 18 , 20 ]. The amphiphilic character may be in cation or anion part of ionic liquids structure.…”

“…Many research studies have been conducted for the application of ionic liquids in chemical demulsification processes, and it was reported that ionic liquids are reliable demulsifiers with high stability, even under harsh conditions (high temperature and high salinity) [ 19 ]. Ionic liquids are produced by a combination of different organic cations and organic or inorganic anions [ 20 ]. They are associated with unique characteristics such as thermal stability, non-flammability, recyclability, and low vapor pressure [ 21 , 22 , 23 ].…”