Polycyclic Viscosity Reducer Compositions for Heavy Oil Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
The extraction of heavy oil with high viscosity is difficult due to its high viscosity, which hampers the efficient transport in wellbore fluid conduits, necessitating the development of viscosity reducer compositions to maintain fluid flow and enhance extraction efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A viscosity reducer composition comprising polycyclic compounds, polymers covalently attached to polyaromatic compounds, rheology modifiers, surfactants, and an aqueous solution, which interact with crude oil to form a stable emulsion, reducing viscosity through interactions with asphaltene structures and intermolecular forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If heavy oil with high viscosity is transported through wellbore fluid conduits, then extraction can be performed, but the high viscosity hampers efficient transport and maintains difficult flow characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the physical and chemical properties of heavy oil through the addition of viscosity reducer compositions. These compositions contain specific compounds (including aromatic hydrocarbons, cyclic hydrocarbons, and their derivatives) that change the rheological parameters of the oil, reducing its viscosity and improving flow characteristics while maintaining extraction efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses viscosity reducer compositions as intermediary substances that mediate between the heavy oil and the wellbore fluid conduit system. These compositions interact with the oil to reduce its viscosity, acting as a mediator that enables efficient transport without requiring direct modification of the oil's fundamental composition.
2Productivity
If viscosity reducer compositions are added to reduce heavy oil viscosity, then transport efficiency improves, but the complexity of the fluid system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials in the form of viscosity reducer compositions that combine multiple components (aromatic hydrocarbons, cyclic hydrocarbons, and their derivatives) to achieve effective viscosity reduction. This composite approach allows the system to maintain reduced viscosity while managing the complexity through a formulated composition rather than multiple separate additives.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The composition effectively reduces the viscosity of heavy oil, improving its transport and extraction efficiency by breaking down asphaltene structures and forming a stable oil-in-water emulsion, enhancing productivity and recovery from heavy oil resources.
Implementation Method 1
combining the viscosity reducer composition and crude oil to form an emulsion, wherein the emulsion has a volume ratio of the crude oil to the viscosity reducer composition from 50:50 to 90:10
Implementation Method 2
adding one or more surfactants to the suspended solution to form a viscosity reducer composition precursor
Implementation Method 3
one or more polymers covalently attached to one or more polyaromatic compounds
Implementation Method 4
breaking down asphaltene structures and forming a stable oil-in-water emulsion
Data Source
AI summary
A viscosity reducer composition may include one or more polycyclic compounds, one or more polymers covalently attached to one or more polyaromatic compounds, one or more rheology modifiers, one or more surfactants, and an aqueous solution.