Estudio del Efecto de Reductores de Viscosidad en Crudo Pesado

Abstract

Due to its high viscosity, heavy crude oil requires more energy for transportation because it causes a decrease in the efficiency of transfer pumps. In this investigation, the effect of viscosity-reducing products was evaluated at laboratory level and on field tests. In laboratory tests, four types of viscosity reducers were tested on crude oil from the eastern region of Ecuador. Heating and cooling temperature curves of 40 to 80 ° C were prepared with dosages of 400, 550, 700 and 1,000 ppm. The crude used in the study presented 38% BS&W and 19.5°API. The best results were obtained with a dosage of 700 ppm of VRX-02.  On-side tests were carried out to evaluate the efficiency of the VRX-02 additive. This product was injected into the 15 km transfer line. Oil viscosity decreased 28% at operating temperature (30°C).  There was an increase in oil transfer of 198 barrels of total fluid per day (BFPD), and an increase in dry crude of 249 barrels of crude per day (BOPD) because the chemical also acts as an emulsion breaker and allows a better separation of crude oil and water. With the results obtained, the design of an additive injection system was carried out and the project was economically evaluated. Through financial indicators, it was determined that the installation of the viscosity reduction system is favorable.