Crude oil characterization with a new dynamic emulsion stability technique

Crude oils due to its profuse chemical composition produce complex dispersion and emulsion flow behavior with water. The interfacial properties and surface chemistry of oil and water influence heavily the stability, flow behavior and separation of oil and water. In order to understand the crude oil/water emulsion stability better, a new technique is proposed that involves the combined use of a stirred tank cell with interfacial tension and analytical chemistry measurement. Droplet stability parameters like droplet size equilibrium and relaxation time scales have been evaluated and corroborated with surface chemistry of the crude oils. A deeper understanding on how surface-active component like asphaltenes, naphthenic acids and waxes proportion present in crude oils influence emulsion droplet stability is discussed. The 3 crude oils Gjøa, Grane and Bragge were characterized for asphaltenes, naphthanic acids and waxes which was further corroborated with their respective emulsion droplet behavior.