THERMAL APPROACH TO ESTIMATE THE EASTERN DAHOMEY BASIN HEAVY CRUDE OIL FLOW PROPERTIES: A CASE STUDY OF AGBABU HEAVY CRUDE NIGERIA

The flow behavior of heavy crude oil is a critical challenge for oil exploration and production, particularly in regions such as the Eastern Dahomey Basin of Nigeria, where the Agbabu heavy crude is located. Due to its high viscosity and density, transporting heavy crude oil poses significant economic and technical challenges. This study explores a thermal approach to estimate and improve the flow properties of heavy crude oil from the Agbabu field. The thermal method, which involves heating the oil to reduce its viscosity, is evaluated as a potential solution to enhance its transportability and handling. The objectives of this study determined the percentage (%) composition of Saturate, Aromatic, Resin and Asphaltene (SARA) under thermal condition and also determination of the lubricity of the heavy crude oil (Bitumen) under thermal condition. Using laboratory simulations and field data, we analyzed the effects of temperature variation on the viscosity and flow rate of the Agbabu heavy crude. The thermal treatment was shown to significantly reduce the viscosity, facilitating easier flow through pipelines. The method in this study also to investigate Sara Measurement Percentage (%) Saturate, Aromatic, Resin and Asphaltene composition using High Performance Liquid Chromatography. Results indicated a considerable improvement in flow properties, with higher temperatures promoting better fluidity and reducing energy costs for transportation. The research findings demonstrate that thermal methods, when optimized for the specific characteristics of Agbabu heavy crude, can offer a feasible and effective solution for improving the flow properties of heavy crude oils in the Eastern Dahomey Basin. The study also revealed that mass fraction of saturate under thermal condition been the highest at 36.64% was observed. This is the amount of the condensed aromatic ring systems. This thermal approach presents an opportunity for enhanced production efficiency in the Nigerian oil industry, with potential applications across other heavy crude fields within the Dahomey Basin. Further studies are recommended to integrate thermal methods with other flow improvement techniques, such as chemical treatments and mechanical processes, to achieve optimal results and finally, Continuous monitoring and control of temperature should be implemented to ensure the optimal reduction of viscosity while avoiding overheating, which can lead to undesirable effects like the breakdown of oil quality or wax deposition. The development of automated systems for temperature regulation along pipelines is recommended.