Reducing the Viscosity of Crude Oil by Pulsed Electric or Magnetic Field

Abstract

A method with pulsed electric or magnetic field to reduce the viscosity of crude oil is developed. Specifically, for paraffin-base crude oil, a magnetic field pulse can effectively reduce its viscosity for several hours, while, for asphalt-base crude oil or mixed-base crude oil, an electric field pulse can do the same. The method does not change the temperature of the crude oil; instead, it temporary aggregates paraffin particles or asphaltene particles inside the crude oil into large ones. This particle aggregation changes the rheological property of the crude oil and leads to the viscosity reduction. While this viscosity reduction is not permanent, it is suitable for many important applications, such as oil transport via deepwater pipelines, since it lasts for several hours and is repeatable.

Monodisperse poly(2-methylaniline) coated polystyrene core–shell microspheres fabricated by controlled releasing process and their electrorheological stimuli-response under electric fields

“…Therefore, the ER fluids along with ER elastomers and gels have been studied extensively for their potential in a wide range of industrial applications [7,8], such as active devices, clutches, brakes, shock absorbers, ER valves, and other torque-transferring devices [9]. Recently, the applications of ER fluids have been expanded from typical dampers to high end technologies, such as human muscle stimulators, ER tactile displays [10], optically transparent haptic display [11], photonic crystals [12], design of biomicro-fluidic chips [13] and viscosity reduction of crude oil [14].…”

1H NMR Relaxometry, Viscometry, and PFG NMR Studies of Magnetic and Nonmagnetic Ionic Liquids

“…The viscosity of the two IL systems was measured by capillary viscometry following the procedure reported in the literature. 16 The capillary used was manufactured and calibrated by Cannon -Instrument Company. The influence of an external magnetic field on the MIL viscosity was evaluated using a glass capillary Ubbelohde Viscometer − 3C and a GMW Dipole Electromagnet 3473-70 with a 75 mm poles gap by GMW Associates, USA.…”

Electrorheology leads to healthier and tastier chocolate

“…Along the field direction, the viscosity is significantly reduced. Especially, as the applied electric field is in the flow direction, the reduced viscosity will improve the liquid chocolate flow (16,17).…”