Method of pumping viscous crude
Patent
·
OSTI ID:5918516
A method of increasing the rate of pumping a viscous crude from a well bore provided with a downhole pump is described. In the method, the crude adjacent to the pump is contacted with water and a base, in the presence of an emulsifying agent. The crude is emulsified to form an oil-in-water emulsion, and pumped from the well bore to the surface. In general, the oil-in-water emulsion contains, by volume, about 50-70% oil and 30-50% water, based on the emulsion. The amount of base used is such that the emulsion has a pH in about the range 8 to 13.8, preferably around 9 to 10. The pH of emulsion being produced can be determined continuously or intermittently by known means, such as continuously recording pH meters, and Universal pH indicator paper. The viscosity of the emulsion can be varied by adjusting its water content, the viscosity being lowered with increase in water content, and increased by raising the oil content. (16 claims)
- Assignee:
- Chevron Research Co.
- Patent Number(s):
- US 3380531
- OSTI ID:
- 5918516
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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