Synthesis and Performance Evaluation of a Novel Nano Hybrid Chemical Additive on Indian Crude oil

Abstract

Abstract Paraffin deposition is a major flow assurance issue causing pressure anomalies, artificial obstruction or halt output and in worst case can lead to shut down of the pipeline. Recently, research interest in Nano hybrid Chemical additive which offer a creative and efficient method for preventing paraffin deposition has grown as Nano hybrid materials can considerably reduce paraffin deposition and improve flowability of crude oil. Current studies deal with the synthesis and evaluation of Nanohybrid Chemical additive (NH-CA) to mitigate crude oil flow assurance problems. Nano silica (SiO2) was modified with 3-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxy silane (KH570) to obtain modified Nano silica which was further used for polymerization with Styrene, Stearyl methacrylate and Icosyl acrylate for synthesis of novel Nanohybrid Chemical additive (NH-CA). The structure of NH-CA was assessed using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), 1H NMR, Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The NH-CA was evaluated for Microscopic and Rheological Studies of Crude oil by Polarized Optical Microscopy (POM) and Rheometer respectively. Cold finger test was performed to check Wax deposition potential of Crude oil and Paraffin Inhibition Efficiency of Chemical additive. The results showed that NH-CA demonstrated superior performance in enhancing the flowability of waxy crude oil compared to conventional pour point depressant (PPD). The pour point of crude oil could be lowered by as much as 15°C at 500 ppm by using NH-CA compared to conventional PPD which depresses the pour point up to 6°C only at higher concentration (1000 ppm). At 30°C, the viscosity of the waxy crude oil reduced up to 90% after doping crude oil with 500 ppm of NH-CA. Cold finger test results revealed that NH-CA can reduce the paraffin deposition up to 65%. The results of polarized microscopy showed that with the introduction of NH-CA in the crude oil, the formation of the wax crystals can be greatly reduced. The results provide directions for building the next generation of Chemical additives for flow assurance of waxy crude oil and understanding the flow behaviour by using nano hybrid materials. NH-CA is a new generation of chemicals providing better results in the laboratory and can be implemented successfully in the field for transportation of crude oil. Additionally, Nano particles can enhance the efficiency of chemical additives significantly due to which NH-CA has a promising role to play in the Petroleum industry for smooth pipeline transportation of waxy crude.