CORE ANNULAR FLOW OF HEAVY CRUDE OILS IN TRANSPORTATION PIPELINES AND PRODUCTION WELLBORES

摘要

A method is provided for enhancing the shear stability of a high-viscosit y fluid-water flow system, such as a core annular flow system. The method em ploys a family of demulsifier additives for maintaining separation of the fl uids in biphasic flow. The additive family is sodium salts of polynuclear ar omatic sulfonic acids. In one aspect, the high-viscosity fluid is heavy oil. A method of transporting heavy oil through a tubular body is also provided. The method includes pumping the heavy oil through the tubular body within a n annular flow of water, and subjecting the water in the tubular body to a s alt of a polynuclear, aromatic sulfonic acid additive so as to improve shear stability of the heavy oil and water.