Ferruccio Doghieri

Title: Experimental characterization of oils for flow assurance problems (stage available at ENI VERSALIS - Ravenna)

Upstream of non-conventional oils is one of the key challenges in energy supply. The presence of high molecular weight fraction can induce high relevant temperature variation in the oil rheology, due to formation of crystals and nucleation of gelly phases, leading to a common problem known as “Flow Assurance”. The high variability of oil composition makes prediction and control of its rheology a difficult task, that can lead to catastrophic blocking of pipes. The scope of this work is to analyse the crystallization phenomena of waxy crude oils as received and with Pour Point Depressants (PPD). The candidate will learn the rheological experimental methods that are most useful for Oil Field chemistry. He or she will contribute to the determination of the materials that can be proposed for field test in oil production sites. In addition, the relationship between PPD microstructure and performance will also be investigated. This is a proposal for a work in collaboration with Versalis SpA. Versalis is the petrochemical subsidiary of "Eni" oil and gas company and among other businesses, is active in the oil field chemistry.