Viscosity Model of Waxy Crude Oil Based on the Physico-Chemical Properties

Abstract

Abstract Temperature-dependent viscosity is one of critical properties in designing facilities for waxy crude oil production. Several viscosity models have been developed and available in literature. Nevertheless, those models are still insufficient to cover all waxy crude oil produced from various regions. Therefore, this work aims to develop a general viscosity model for Malaysian waxy crude oils. Extensive rheological study was conducted and showed that viscosity behavior below WAT can be best described using Herschel-Buckley model. Multiple correlation and regression analysis were also performed to identify critical physico-chemical properties dictating the viscosity behavior. Based on the finding, a general viscosity model was developed by modifying Herschel-Buckley model and incorporate the critical physico-chemical properties. The general model was compared with widely used viscosity model and other models available in literatures to assess its performance on describing the viscosity behavior. The comparison showed that the general model has lowest average absolute percentage error and hence, it is more superior than the other models. Nevertheless, the model still has limitation in describing viscosity at the transition regime which is between WAT and 5°C below WAT.