Abstract:

The structure of waxy crude oil means that in the oil paraffin crystalline particles interconnect and form a kind of network which filled with the whole crude system under certain condition. The characteristic temperature, viscosity-temperature properties and rheological properties of simulated waxy oil have been studied systematically by mean of rheological measuring and analytical techniques. The microstructure of the oil in gel state has been analyzed using micropoloariscopic technique. Results show that the structure exists obviously in the waxy oil under certain condition, and its formation is closely relevant to the size and content of paraffin molecules in the oil, the symmetry and size of the paraffin crystalline particles. The existence of structure in the waxy oil is the main causes of its viscosity abnormality and lose of mobility .It provides a theoretical foundation for further studying the ways for pour point depression and viscosity reduction of the waxy crude oil.

Key words: waxy crude oil, structure, waxy crystalline, viscosity abnormality, rheological properties