Development of Mathematical Models for the Rheological Test, Velocity Distribution and the Flow Rate Characteristics of Crude Oil Flowing through a Tube of Various Radii

摘要

Mathematical models were developed for the rheological test, velocity distribution and flow rate characteristics of crude oil through a tube of various radii. The viscosities of the crude oil were determined by using viscometer based on the cone and plate principle while densities were measured with hygrometer. The developed models were used to correlate radial, length and flow rate as a function of the physical properties of the crude oil sample. Flow rate was computed and was found to be decrease with increasing length and radius. The various results obtained from the investigation for the theoretical developed models shows a slight discrepancy with the experimental result. This could be attributed to possible experimental factors affecting the determination of the various constants of the developed models. However, despite the discrepancies, the results as obtained from the computation using the formulated models showed similar pattern with those determined from the experimental analytical results. Finally comparisons between experimental and theoretical computed models were presented. The comparison had shown a good match. The numerical equation obtained were useful in monitoring crude oil rheological behaviour, velocity distribution and flow rate; since the transportation of crude oil through pipes is said to be more viable, although a good number of problems has been attributed to rheological behaviour.