Studies of synthesized nonionic gemini surfactant based on sulfonamide moiety as flow enhancing additive of waxy crude oil

Abstract

One of the most severe and long term issues in the petroleum industry is paraffin wax deposit of crude oil at low temperatures. The use of pour point depressants (PPD) has proven to be an effective method for preventing wax deposition. In this research, the synthesized nonionic gemini surfactant (NGS) is utilized as a PPD additive. The surface parameters of the NGS were assessed as the interfacial tension (IFT). The effectiveness of this additive as a PPD on the cold-flow properties of crude oil was investigated. Additionally, the commercial additive (CA) only and combined with NGS via varying ratio was properly evaluated as good PPD. The pour point (PP) measurements exhibit a significant decrease in the PP temperature, based on the particular ratio of NGS to CA and the different concentrations of additives in the crude oil sample. The additive (1mol NGS: 1mol CA) lowers pour point crude oil sample to a significant degree. At various temperatures below, high and equal to PP temperature, the shear rate-shear stress and shear rate- viscosity were estimated. The wax morphology has been observed to be substantially changed to fine, scattered crystals of a compact shape by the photomicrographic examination.