Rheological Profile of Indonesian Waxy Crude Oil under Shearing Conditions Improved by Formulated Pour Point Depressant
Dwi Febriantini, Agnesya Putri Gustianthy, Adam Kusuma Rianto, Ahlul Hafizan Resha, Indah Kurniawaty, Siska Pebriani, Usman, Bambang Purnomo

Research & Technology Innovation, PT Pertamina (Persero)

Abstract

The formation of wax precipitation has become a significant trouble for the production, transportation, and refiner of crude oil. The trouble takes place when there is a disruption on the equilibrium of pressure and temperature as well as the composition of crude oil. Wax deposits will eventually result in reduction of fluid flow in the pipeline, and serious deposition will generate blockages. Chemical additives such as pour point depressant is currently applied in oil & gas industry to prevent the agglomeration of wax molecules thus decreases the wax deposition to the surfaces. The aim of this study was to investigate the performance of PT Pertamina (Persero)^s commercial pour point depressant (Pertaflow) on the rheological profile of Indonesian waxy crude oils under shearing conditions. The changes of chemical composition, pour point, wax content, average crystallization, and the rheological behavior of the crude oil were determined on this study. The results reveal that the addition of Pertaflow could be used to improve the flow of waxy crude oil and strongly affected by the difference in solubility of paraffin waxes and the chemical composition of the crude oils.

Keywords: Indonesian crude oil, pour point depressant, rheology, wax inhibitor

Topic: Industrial and Engineering Chemistry