Comparison of wax appearance temperatures of crude oils by differential scanning calorimetry, thermomicroscopy and viscometry

Abstract

This paper presents the results of an experimental study of the determination of wax appearance temperatures (WAT) of 15 crude oils by differential scanning calorimetry (d.s.c.), thermomicroscopy and viscometry. Good agreement is obtained among the three techniques for crude oils having a significant precipitation rate. Considering the great diversity of crude oils, it is concluded that d.s.c. and thermomicroscopy should be used together for a better understanding of the determination of WAT of crude oils.