Document Type : Regular Article

Authors

• Najem Abdulkadhim Al-Rubaiey ¹
• Atheer Fadhil Mahmood ¹
• Hiba H. Ali ²
• Mohammed J. Haider ¹
• Yousif H. Abd-Alrrasol ¹

¹ Oil & Gas Engineering College, University of Technology-Iraq

² Oil & Gas Engineering College, University of Technology-Iraq,

Abstract

The transportation of heavy crude oil faces various obstacles because its thick composition creates both operational challenges and financial obstacles. The research examines the process of decreasing Iraqi heavy crude oil thickness by mixing light hydrocarbons which originate from the East Baghdad field. Researchers conducted experiments on kerosene and toluene and naphtha by using three different solvents under controlled temperature conditions of 21 and 40 and 62 degrees Celsius with mixing time durations of 30 and 60 minutes at concentrations ranging from 5 to 20 percent volume/volume. A capillary viscometer operating under ASTM D445 standards served as the measurement tool for viscosity assessments by the researchers. The study demonstrates that both solvent selection and solvent quantity along with process temperature and mixing duration determine the efficiency of viscosity reduction. Among the tested solvents naphtha emerged as the superior dilution agent because it decreased the concentration by 60% when used at 20% v/v while toluene and kerosene delivered lower yet substantial effects. The combined effects of solvent selection with operational parameters demonstrate that field optimization stands as a critical factor. The research delivers functional proof through data which enhances heavy crude pipeline transport efficiency and cost savings and encourages further investigation about economic evaluations alongside environmental impacts.

Keywords

• Viscosity of Crude Oil
• Naphtha
• Toluene
• Kerosene
• Transportation