Experimental Investigation of the Nanoparticle Effect on the Pipeline Flow Behavior of Emulsions

Considering the lifespan of wells and the increment of water production over time, which is associated with the increase in emulsion volumes, the need for technology able to overcome these challenges becomes paramount. In this study, the flow characteristics of a nanoparticle-stabilized water-oil emulsion were investigated for different nanoparticle concentrations and water fraction. The influence of different concentrations of silica dioxide nanoparticles on the pipeline flow behavior of emulsions was studied in a 13-m horizontal pipe with the inlet diameter of 0.0145 m. The effect of nano-silica (1, 3, and 5 wt %) on the emulsion stability, rheological type, viscosity, and pressure drop as well as on the energy consumption (for the water volume ratios of 35 and 50% v/v) was also investigated. The study showed that as the water cut increased, the viscosity of the produced oil increased proportionally to the water/oil volume ratio. Use of nanoadditives provided the viscosity reduction for two water cuts (35 and 50%). In the case of a 50% water cut, addition of 3% of nano-silica provided the most significant trend in reducing viscosity. In the case of addition of 1% nano-silica to a 35% water cut, the viscosity level decreased, and the shear-thinning behavior was observed for all the prepared emulsions. Nevertheless, the most significant amount of stable emulsion was produced at a water ratio of 35%, when a 3% nano-silica was added. The results also show that the addition of nanoparticles caused a decrease in the pressure drop, and the addition of 3% of nano-silica resulted in a highly stable emulsion and increased power consumption by a pump.