An experimental study on factors affecting the heavy crude oil in water emulsions viscosity

• The Taguchi method is used to analyze experimental O/W emulsion viscosity data statistically.
• Viscosity increases with an increase in oil concentration and emulsifier concentration.
• A modified rheological equation for predicting the viscosity of O/W emulsion is suggested.

In this article the factors affecting two heavy crude oil types in water emulsion viscosity through the Taguchi method are studied. The factors of oil concentration, emulsifier concentration and temperature have the greatest impact on the viscosity of emulsions of the two heavy oil types. With an increase in oil concentration and emulsifier concentration, the viscosity increases, while with an increase in temperature the viscosity decreases. A modified rheological equation is introduced for predicting the viscosity of oil in water emulsion based on the factors affecting viscosity. This equation is developed based on shear rate, oil concentration, emulsifier concentration and temperature. In comparison with the two existing rheological equations this developed equation fits better with viscosity of emulsions of both oil types experimental results. The coefficients of the modified equation give a better estimate of the effects of discussed factors.