Effect of Temperature and Impurities on Surface Tension of Crude Oil

Abstract

Surface tension is one of the major issues encountered in the oil industry. This study investigated the laboratory effect of temperature and impurities on surface tension of crude oil samples and water.
The aforementioned tests were carried out (in line with industrial standard) on the samples in order to determine the relationship between surface tension, temperature and impurities and also to compare the variation in the measured property due to temperature and impurities. Prediction equations were also built.
The results show that surface tension decreases with an increase in temperature in the crude oil samples, water and detergent, while there was an increment in the presence of salt and bentonite as the concentrations increase. We also observed that surface tension increases with water-in-oil emulsion. Also, we see a strong relationship between temperature, impurities and the measured property (surface tension) with an r² value range of 0.7441 to 0.8638 in all the tests carried out.
This study utilized graphic and statistical illustrations to highlight the effect of temperature and impurities on the investigated property and the corresponding effect in the oil industry. The collective and individual relationship between the independent and dependent variable was highlighted and variations were scientifically explained. The prediction equations serve as a quick guide to reservoir engineers to determine the variation in the measured property from other samples of crude oil and water.