Impacts of Viscosity, Density and Pour Point to the Wax Deposition

Abstract

In order to overcome wax deposition problem, the better understanding of the physical characterization of crude oil is necessary. Viscosity, density and pour point are properties that ascertain handling characteristics of crude oils. In this study, crude oils from Malaysian oil fields are studied to determine their wax formation tendency for flow assurance purposes. For this study, density, viscosity and pour point of all crude oils is measured by digital den-sity meter (DMA 4500 M), advanced AR-G2 rheometer and D-97 ASTM methods, respectively. Result showed that there is linear trend between density and temperature. In general, wax precipitation and deposition has direct relationship with wax content of crude oil. Moreover, the shear rate has considerable effect on viscosity reduction. Temperature reduction causes viscosity to increase. However, it is against shear rate that tends to lower it.