Researchers developed biosurfactants that decrease oil viscosity and mitigate operating costs.

Facing the need of Petroleos Mexicanos (Pemex) to have a technology that facilitates the transport of heavy and extra heavy oil, the Mexican Oil Institute (IMP) developed biosurfactants that reduce oil viscosity and lower operating costs.

The technology allows for operational flexibility in the transport of crude oil through ducts from the production centers to refineries.

In Mexico, at least 50 percent of crude oil reserves are heavy and extra-heavy types. Therefore, Pemex is very interested in this technology because transport problems generate pressure drops and heating of the hydrocarbon, which costs money and production time. In response, the IMP project serves as an alternative, said Dr. Jorge Aburto, manager of Biomass Transformation at IMP and head of the research.

The project consists of mixing the oil with water with the aid of biosurfactants (substances that allow an emulsion to form), which are derived from plant biomass, trees, grass, as well as corn and wheat residue, and contain a particular type molecules.

"What we did was to get a fraction of these molecules, modify them in a way that would allow a stable emulsion of oil in water. It is similar to mayonnaise, except that the amount of water it has is very small and ours is greater."

By making the emulsion, oil viscosity is substantially reduce. "We are talking about a virtually solid oil, and when we emulsify it in water the resulting viscosity is equivalent to that of a liquid flowing without any problems. Furthermore, the process does not change the composition and properties of the hydrocarbon" Dr. Aburto Anell explained.

The researcher reported that the project has benefits because in the oilfields a lot water dispersed in the oil is produced, which increases the viscosity and generates transport problems; however, by making an inverse emulsion density is eliminated, and operating problems associated to chemical compounds, as asphaltene and paraffin, are reduced.

Because the project underwent a laboratory and a pilot phase formulating an emulsion in large volume and test the flow of oil in a pipeline installed in the state of Veracruz was achieved. A national patent was also obtained and four more are in process, two being Mexican and the rest international, in the United States and Canada.

Currently in situ testing is seeked. "We are going to go to a Pemex well and make technological tests that will allow us to measure the real situation in technical and economic feasibility".