Experimental study of the rheological behaviour of water-in-crude oil emulsions

Abstract

In this study, the rheological behaviour of water-in-crude oil emulsions is experimentally studied. Emulsions are prepared with water concentration of 30%, 40%, 50% and 60%. The influence of water content, temperature, salinity and time on the emulsions rheology is examined. The viscosity of these samples was measured with a rheometer at 20°C, 40°C and 60°C, with shear rates ranging from 0.1 s^-1 to 100 s^-1. These measurements are also taken after a rest period of 4 hours, 4 days, and 13 days. From the analysis of the results, it was revealed that crude oil has a Newtonian behaviour, while emulsions are non-Newtonian fluids with shear thinning behaviour. Viscosity increases with water content and decreases with water salinity and rest time.