The effect of formation temperature and constituent components on rheological parameters of water-oil emulsions

This article investigates the correlation between freezing temperature, viscosity, and oil deposit levels in samples from the Muradkhanli and Surakhany fields, as well as in model oils created under laboratory conditions, both in commodity and emulsion forms. The focus is on the influence of asphaltene-resin-paraffin compounds, the primary components of these samples. Laboratory experiments were conducted at temperatures of 10 degrees C, 20 degrees C, 40 degrees C, and 60 degrees C, utilizing crude oil samples with dilution levels ranging from 5% to 40% for emulsified oil. Freezing temperatures and viscosity values were determined using established standard methods, while the amount of paraffin deposits was assessed through the "Cold finger test" method. Analysis of numerous experiments revealed that freezing temperature, viscosity of water-oil emulsions, and paraffin deposit levels formed on cold surfaces primarily hinge on the temperature of emulsion formation and the water content percentage. It was also observed that water content affects the rheological properties of emulsions formed at 10 degrees C and 20 degrees C, while freezing temperature undergoes minimal changes. An increase in water content leads to heightened viscosity. However, in water-oil emulsions formed at 40 degrees C and 60 degrees C, rheological parameters exhibit different trends. Emulsions formed at 40 degrees C demonstrate maximum freezing temperatures, accompanied by increased asphaltene-resin-paraffin deposits and viscosity across the temperature spectrum. Conversely, water-oil emulsions formed at 60 degrees C exhibit minimal freezing temperatures, deposit content, and viscosity values. Thus, the analysis of water-oil emulsion group composition indicates that these emulsions are mainly stabilized and rendered stable by the presence of asphaltene-resin components.