Experimental Investigation on Hydrodynamics of Two-Phase Crude Oil Flow in Horizontal Pipe With Novel Surfactant

Abstract

The hydrodynamic entrance length, pressure drop analysis, viscosity, and fully developed velocity profile in horizontal pipe for crude oil with and without water and surfactant were studied in a 2 in ID horizontal pipe of length 2.5 m experimentally. Hydrodynamic entry length and fluid characteristics have been examined by varying temperature, water fraction, and flow rates. Temperature was varied by 25–40 °C, flow rates 40–60 LPM, and water 0–15% v/v and Madhuca longifolia from 500 to 2000 ppm. Triton X-100 was mixed with water to increase the emulsion capability during crude oil–water flows. The results showed significant influence of water, flow rate, and temperature on the hydrodynamic entry region length, pressure drop, viscosity, and velocity profiles along with natural surfactant. Pressure drop was reduced by 93.75%, 94.18%, and 93.02% with 15% water and 2000 ppm surfactant at 40 °C for 40 LPM, 50 LPM, and 60 LPM, respectively. Viscosity of the crude oil during flowing is greatly influenced by water and addition of surfactant. After addition of 2000 ppm surfactant and 15% water at 40 °C, viscosity reduced by about 94%. Hydrodynamic entry region length increased from 0.0354 to 0.2014 m, 0.0368 to 0.2336 m, and 0.0384 to 0.2641 m during transportation of crude oil after addition of 2000 ppm surfactant and 15% water at 40 °C for 40 LPM, 50 LPM, and 60 LPM flow, respectively.