Economics, emulsion pipeline transportation

The economic analysis of an emulsion pipeline transportation system is highly site specific and depends on several factors that cannot be specified for a general case. However, example cases are presented to illustrate typical costs associated with use of the technology. 

Some emulsions are made to reduce viscosity so that an oil can be made to flow. Emulsions of asphalt, a semisolid variety of bitumen dispersed in water, are formulated to be both less viscous than the original asphalt and stable so that they can be transported and handled. In application, the emulsion should shear thin and break to form a suitable water-repelling roadway coating material. Another example of emulsions that are formulated for lower viscosity with good stability are those made from heavy oils and intended for economic pipeline transportation over large distances. Here again the emulsions should be stable for transport but will need to be broken at the end of the pipeline. 

Economic pipeline transport of viscous crudes as concentrated oil-inwater emulsions has been demonstrated in at least two commercial pipelines. The present study was undertaken to learn more about the rheological characteristics of concentrated emulsions and the effect of such variables as emulsion formulation and preparation techniques, aging,and crude oil viscosity on emulsion properties. 

Trucked versus Pipelined Emulsions. Over the years transportation of produced liquids has evolved from the use of wooden barrels filled at the wellhead to a system of pipelines and trucks. Inasmuch as it is usually much cheaper to use pipelines than trucks, the selection of either transportation mode is generally not dictated by economics alone. Some of the major advantages of using pipelines are... 

JMULSIONS CAN BE FOUND IN ALMOST EVERY PART of the petroleum production and recovery process in reservoirs, produced at wellheads, in many parts of the refining process, and in transportation pipelines. In each case the presence and nature of emulsions can determine both the economic and technical successes of the industrial process concerned. This book is intended to provide an introduction to the nature, occurrence, handling, formation, and breaking of petroleum emulsions. The primary focus is on the applications of the principles and includes attention to practical emulsion problems. 

The composition of crude oil that arrives at a refinery is not identical to reservoir fluids. Gas and water is separated at the well head and emulsions are broken. Consequently, oils lose some light hydrocarbons (from multiple fields and reservoirs, which individually may be of varying composition and quality. For these reasons, testing of subsurface fluids from individual reservoirs is necessary to determine field economics and design reservoir management practices. 

---