High Viscosity Causes Low Mobility
Long chain hydrocarbons
Main factors for hydrocarbon viscosity:
1.Total mixture composition
2. Hydrocarbon composition
3. Temperature, Pressure
4. Dissolved gases
Viscosity over density is highly non-linear in heavy hydrocarbon mixtures.
High viscosity means low mobility.
Common ways to improve hydrocarbon mobility at the surface:
1. Total mixture composition: by emulsification (water)
2. Hydrocarbon composition: by diluents
3. Temperature, pressure: by heating (temperature only)
4. Dissolved gases: N/A (dissolved gases are typically lost)
All of the above approaches are expensive, have undesired side effects, or are technically not feasible.
Composition Determines Viscosity
Canadian Diluted Bitumen
- Alkanes fraction is dominant (>98%)
- 75% of mass fraction is C30+
Expensive Diluent (NG Condensates) and thermal insulation to keep temperature around 60C are used to create and maintain mobility.
Dynamic viscosity before and after treatment:
