METHOD FOR IMPROVING THE FLOW CONDITIONS IN PIPES THAT HAVE BEEN USED FOR TRANSPORTING HEAVY OR EXTRA-HEAVY CRUDES OR CRUDES WITH HIGH ASPHALTENE CONTENT

摘要

A method for altering flow conditions in a pipe includes the steps of preparing a mixture of a surfactant, a co-surfactant and a carrier fluid; transporting the mixture to a pipe having inner flow surfaces and hydrocarbons adhered to the inner flow surfaces; and holding the mixture in the pipe for a period of time sufficient to form a water film over the inner flow surfaces and over the hydrocarbons adhered to the inner flow surfaces.