Evaluation of solid content in petroleum and water in oil emulsion by ultrasonic spectroscopy

Abstract

The presence of inorganic solids in petroleum can result in stable emulsions and sludge formation. Thus, it is important to know the solids content in petroleum. The most applied methodology to measure solid content (ASTM 4807) is not so simple to be done in a short time. In the case of emulsions, due to the complexity of the matrix, there is no method for measuring the solids content. It is possible the application of ultrasound spectroscopy to measure solids content in petroleum and emulsions, resulting in short times analysis and allowing more accurate processes control. For petroleum, it was observed a linear relationship between the attenuation of sound and solid content, especially for concentrations above 1%. In emulsions, a tendency was also observed, but the behavior was not totally linear, probably due to complex interactions of the matrix and the wave propagated through the medium.