Application of Bio-Derived Alternatives for the Assured Flow of Waxy Crude Oil: A Review

Ron Chuck Macola Gabayan (), Aliyu Adebayo Sulaimon and Shiferaw Regassa Jufar
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Ron Chuck Macola Gabayan: Department of Petroleum Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Petronas, Seri Iskandar 32610, Perak, Malaysia
Aliyu Adebayo Sulaimon: Department of Petroleum Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Petronas, Seri Iskandar 32610, Perak, Malaysia
Shiferaw Regassa Jufar: Department of Petroleum Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Petronas, Seri Iskandar 32610, Perak, Malaysia

Energies, 2023, vol. 16, issue 9, 1-28

Abstract: High molecular weight paraffin/wax precipitates in the solution of crude oil when the surrounding temperature falls below the wax appearance temperature, which causes the problem of wax deposition in pipelines. To enhance the rheology of the crude oil and lessen wax deposition, pour point depressants (PPDs) and flow enhancers were utilized. These substances change the wax crystals’ morphology, reducing crystal interlocking and preventing wax agglomeration from facilitating wax dispersion. However, recent research prompted a further investigation to improve the performance of conventional polymeric PPD and to address wax accumulation in a safe and environmentally responsible way. This is because of their poor performance at high shearing, expensive preparations, limited biodegradability, and toxicity. The primary objective of this study is to provide a thorough summary of current studies on the use of seed oil extracts rich in unsaturated fatty acids as an alternative for polymeric PPD. Important studies on the use of nanoparticles to improve the performance of conventional PPD, as well as strategies put into place to overcome issues with nanoparticle application, are also highlighted. Finally, an outlook of potential research ideas to develop pour point depressants is provided.

Keywords: flow improver; pour point; wax deposition; nanoparticle; waxy crude (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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