Due to the simplicity of scaling equations and its
applicability to colloid chemistry, the scaling theory is widely used in
studying emulsion properties such as force profiles. Understanding asphaltene
chemistry and the fundamental mechanisms of colloid formation has been the
driving force behind much petroleum research in recent years. Scaling equations
were developed for the studied samples for correlation of asphaltene solvation
with stability of crude oil emulsions. The researcher used five crude oil emulsion
samples from Niger Delta region of Nigeria for their study. Correlations were
made for viscosity and percentage water resolved by varying the volume
concentration of toluene in heptol mixture that was used as solvent for the
asphaltene re-dissolution. The study shows that tuning the composition of
heptol allows fine control of colloidal forces between asphaltene surfaces in
an organic solvent and therefore determines the stability state of the
emulsion. Statistically derived correlation equations provide for a range in
the aromaticity of the crude medium for which an optimum stability is observed
and therefore gives good understanding on the control of emulsion stability.
Since attractive van der Waals forces are omnipresent in asphaltene/heptol system,
it was interesting to investigate the variation of van der Waals forces with
the solvent composition. This study indirectly investigated this force, as
variation in viscosity of the emulsion since the solvation state of asphaltene
was responsible for the varied viscosity of the emulsion. The study further
shows that emulsion inversion can be achieved by adjusting the concentration of
surfactant.
Author(s) Details:
Emmanuel J. Ekott,
Department of Chemical Sciences, Heritage Polytechnic, Eket,
Nigeria.
Please see the link here: https://stm.bookpi.org/RDCBR-V1/article/view/13612
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