Process of preparing improved heavy and extra heavy crude oil emulsions by use of biosurfactants in water and product thereof

摘要

A process allows working with viscous petroleum referred to as “heavy and extra heavy crudes” such as 20 to 6° API by adding an appropriate biosurfactant to an aqueous phase containing a biosurfactant active compound. The surfactant can be alkyl glycosides, glycerol esters and alkyl betaines. The result is the formation of a stable crude/water emulsion even with salt present therein.