ASSESSMENT OF FLOW IMPROVERS BY PHOTO-ANALYSIS

Wax modification caused by flow improvers during crystal growth at low temperatures in both Umbarka and Ras-Fanar Egyptian crudes was studie d. The influence of type and concentration of wax crystal modifiers on the morphology of the wax crystals using photoanalysis has been evalu ated. The crystallization behaviour has also been affected by the dopi ng temperature. A correlation between the pour point depression and th e extent of wax modification was detected. Addition of asphaltene as a natural pour point depressant affected wax morphology and configurati on in Umbarka paraffinic crude.