Reducing oil thickness, often referred to as reducing its viscosity, is commonly achieved through specific methods that make the oil flow more easily. Based on current practices, particularly for heavy oil viscosity reduction, the generally used techniques include heating, mixing with a thinner oil, and adding chemical viscosity reducers.
Methods to Reduce Oil Thickness (Viscosity)
Oil thickness, or viscosity, is a measure of its resistance to flow. Thick oil is highly viscous, while thin oil has low viscosity. Reducing this resistance is crucial in various applications, such as extraction, transportation, and processing. The primary methods employed are:
1. Heating
Applying heat is a direct and effective way to reduce oil viscosity. When oil is heated, its molecules gain energy and move faster. This increased molecular motion reduces the internal friction within the oil, allowing it to flow more freely.
- How it works: Higher temperatures break down temporary intermolecular bonds and increase kinetic energy, overcoming the forces that cause resistance to flow.
- Practical Insight: This is a common technique used in pipelines or storage tanks to facilitate the movement of heavy crude oil.
2. Mixing Thin Oil (Dilution)
Mixing thick oil with a less viscous oil (like a lighter crude oil or a specific diluent) reduces the overall thickness of the blend. This process is called dilution. The thinner oil acts as a solvent, reducing the concentration of the heavier, more viscous components.
- How it works: The lower viscosity of the added diluent averages out or significantly lowers the viscosity of the mixture.
- Practical Insight: Dilution is often used in the transportation of heavy oil, creating a blend that can be pumped through pipelines more easily.
3. Adding a Viscosity Reducer (Chemical Additives)
Chemical additives, known as viscosity reducers or flow enhancers, can be introduced into the oil. These chemicals are designed to interact with the oil's components to lower its viscosity.
- How it works: Viscosity reducers can work by various mechanisms, such as:
- Dispersing or breaking down large, complex molecules that contribute to high viscosity (like asphaltenes).
- Modifying the interactions between oil molecules.
- Preventing the formation of structures that increase resistance to flow.
- Practical Insight: Chemical additives are often used when heating or dilution alone is insufficient or impractical, providing a tailored solution depending on the specific oil properties.
These methods—heating, mixing thin oil, and adding a viscosity reducer—are the commonly used techniques for reducing oil thickness, particularly in the context of making heavy oil easier to handle and transport.
