NEW CORRELATION ESTIMATES VISCOSITY OF PARAFFINIC STOCKS

A new empirical correlation estimates the viscosity of paraffinic oils as a function of wax concentration and temperature. When paraffin content is high, paraffin control costs are significant. When the wax concentration is lower, so are the costs, but operating problems remain. Several methods are available to maintain the fluidity of waxy oils. These include: Dilution with less waxy oil; Heating; Treatment with flow improvers. The effect of chemical additives and temperature on oil's rheological properties must be investigated in order to maintain lower viscosity and pumpability. The author studied the effect of temperature on the viscosity of waxy oil, as a function of wax content.