Experimental study on viscosity reduction for residual oil by ultrasonic

Area of Science:

• Petroleum Engineering
• Chemical Engineering
• Materials Science

Background:

• Residual oil presents processing and transportation challenges due to high density, viscosity, and low mobility.
• Effective viscosity reduction is crucial for optimizing residual oil recovery and utilization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the efficacy of ultrasonic treatment for reducing residual oil viscosity.
• To analyze the influence of ultrasonic parameters and compare with conventional heating methods.
• To elucidate the mechanism behind ultrasonic-induced viscosity reduction.

Main Methods:

• Simulation of ultrasonic transducer placement and sound pressure distribution.
• Comparative analysis of oil bath heating and ultrasonic viscosity reduction.
• Experimental optimization using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) for ultrasonic time, power, and mode.
• Mechanism study using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy.
• Viscosity retentivity testing.

Main Results:

• Ultrasonic treatment significantly reduces residual oil viscosity, with effectiveness increasing for higher initial viscosities.
• Ultrasonic power and exposure time were identified as key factors influencing viscosity reduction rate.
• Optimal conditions (900W, 14min, 2s on/2s off) achieved a maximum viscosity reduction of 63.95%.
• FTIR analysis indicated an increase in lighter components within the residual oil.
• Viscosity reduction effects demonstrated good retention over time.

Conclusions:

• Ultrasonic treatment is a highly effective method for reducing residual oil viscosity.
• The study provides valuable data for applying ultrasonic technology in residual oil processing.
• Optimized ultrasonic parameters maximize viscosity reduction, improving oil mobility and processability.