Effect of SiO₂ Nanoparticles on Wax Crystallization and Flow Behavior of Model Crude Oil

Abstract

In oil industry, wax deposition is one of the frequently encountered problems that causes severe issues during the production, storage, and transportation of crude oil. Recently, it is found that addition of nanohybrids to crude oil is an effective method to solve this problem. However, the mechanism of how nanoparticles affect the wax crystallization and rheological behavior of crude oil has not been clearly understood. Here we reported the influence of SiO2 nanoparticles on crystallization and rheological behavior of model oils with and without asphaltene and resin. It was demonstrated that the wax appearance temperature increased upon the addition of SiO2 nanoparticles of model oil without asphaltenes and resin, while the rheological behavior was less affected. When in the presence of asphaltenes and resin, the amount of wax crystals, wax appearance temperature, and rheological parameter of model oils were found to decrease while SiO2 nanofluid was added, resulting in the improvement of flowability.