Heavy crude oil viscosity reduction by dilution with hydrocarbons obtained via pyrolysis of polypropylene and polystyrene

摘要

Liquid hydrocarbons obtained from the pyrolysis of polypropylene and polystyrene were used as diluents to reduce the viscosity of a Mexican heavy crude oil of 10.6 degrees API. Blends of oil and diluents were formulated with fractions of 5, 10 and 15 vol% of diluent. Viscosity results were plotted as a function of temperature and diluent volume fractions. The degree of viscosity reduction at room temperature was of 96 - 97% using 15 vol% of the proposed materials. Results show that viscosities lower than 400 cP, the classical maximum for pipeline transportation, are achieved at relatively low temperatures (45 - 65 degrees C).