Heavy oil metering applications

Falcone, G. (2009) Heavy oil metering applications. In: Multiphase Flow Metering. Series: Developments in petroleum science (54). Elsevier: Amsterdam, pp. 251-266. ISBN 9780444529916 (doi: 10.1016/S0376-7361(09)05407-7)

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Abstract

Publisher Summary: This chapter discusses that heavy oils are usually classified as having a density of 22.7 1 API or less and a viscosity greater than 100 cP. Approximately, two-thirds of the worlds estimated remaining oil reserves are represented by heavy oil, including extra heavy oil and tar sand/bitumen. Heavy oils contain large percentages of high molecular weight aliphatic and terpenoid hydrocarbons, high percentages of asphaltenes and significant quantities of oxygen-, nitrogen-, and sulphur-bearing compounds. It may contain 3% weight or more of sulphur, and often include several hundred to over 2000 ppm of vanadium. Usually, nickel and molybdenum represent minor components of these crude oils and bitumens. The methods for recovering heavy oil can be classified into two main categories: cold processes and thermal processes. The simultaneous measurement of oil, water, gas, and sand flow rates requires three independent measurements of the phase fractions and more than one velocity measurement if the four phases are not travelling at the same velocity in the commingled stream. Heavy oils exhibit density and viscosity greater than that for conventional (lighter) oils. Both the oil density and absolute viscosity are influential in the definition of the Reynolds number that represents the ratio between the fluid momentum and the inertia force (shear stress). Thus, calculation of the Reynolds number defines the flow velocity pattern that affects all the velocity measurement. An accurate estimation of the viscosity of emulsions is fundamental to improve the accuracy of several metering principles.

Item Type:Book Sections
Additional Information:Authors: Falcone, G., Hewitt, G.F., and Alimonti, C.
Status:Published
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Falcone, Professor Gioia
Authors: Falcone, G.
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Systems Power and Energy
Publisher:Elsevier
ISSN:03767361
ISBN:9780444529916

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