Neutron scattering studies of crude oil viscosity reduction with electric field

Neutron scattering studies of crude oil viscosity reduction with electric field

Type	Journal Article
Author	R. Tao
Author	E. Du
URL	http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0016236114005754
Volume	134
Pages	493-498
Publication	Fuel
Date	October 15, 2014
Abstract	A small angle neutron scattering experiment confirms the theoretical prediction that a strong electric field induces the suspended nano-particles inside crude oil to aggregate into short chains along the field direction. Such aggregation breaks the symmetry, making the viscosity anisotropic. Along the field direction, the viscosity is significantly reduced. The experiment enabled researchers to determine the induced chain size and shape. It verifies that the electric field works for all kinds of crude oils, paraffin-based, asphalt-based, and mix-based. The basic physics of such field induced viscosity reduction is applicable to all kinds of suspensions.