Original Research Article
Year: 2016 | Month: July-September | Volume: 1 | Issue: 3 | Pages: 20-28
Determination of Cloud and Pour Point of Crude Oil with Reference to Crude Transportation
Emmanuel, O. Eyankware1, Wisdom, C. Ulakpa2, Moses O. Eyankware2
1Department of Gas Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Port-Harcourt, P. M. B 5323, Rivers State, Nigeria.
2Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Anambra State, Nigeria.
3Department of Geology, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki,. P.M.B. 053. Ebonyi State.
Corresponding Author: Emmanuel, O. Eyankware
ABSTRACT
In this study, the cloud and pour point of the Nigerian Niger Delta Crude oil were determined so as to ascertain the temperature at which wax crystallizes and precipitates during crude transportation. Four (4) crude samples were collected and analysed in the laboratory and the results showed that each of the samples had varying cloud points; Sample A - 230C, Sample B - 140C, Sample C - 230C and Sample D - 200C with a mean value of 200C. Same trend was also exhibited by the pour points; Sample A - 110C, Sample B - 20C, Sample C - 140C and Sample D - 80C with a mean value of 8.750C. It was then concluded that wax deposition during crude transportation in the region can be prevented especially in onshore pipelines if efficient preventive measures are put in place being that the region in the tropics with a minimum ambient temperature of 180C. Factors that affect cloud and pour point of crude oil were also highlighted and recommendations that will help prevent crude oil from wax crystallization and precipitations were given.
Keywords: Cloud Point, Pour Point, Crude oil, Wax Deposition, Paraffin Wax.