A generalized set of correlations for plus fraction characterization

The importance of accurate determination of the critical properties of plus fractions in prediction of phase behaviour of hydrocarbon mixtures by equations of state is well known in the petroleum industry. It has been stated in various papers (Elsharkawy, 2001) that using the plus fraction as a single group in equation of state calculations reduces the accuracy of the results. However in this work it has been shown that using the proper values of critical temperature and pressure for the plus fraction group can estimate the properties of hydrocarbon mixtures, and they are accurate enough to be used in reservoir engineering and enhanced oil recovery calculations. In this paper, a new method is proposed for calculating the critical properties of plus fractions of petroleum fluids. One can use this method either in predicting critical pressure and temperature of single carbon numbers (SCNs) after the splitting process or in predicting critical pressure and temperature of the plus fraction as a single group. A comparison study is performed against Riazi-Daubert correlation (Riazi and Daubert, 1987) and Sancet correlations (Sancet, 2007) for 25 oil samples taken from 14 fields from southwest Iran. The results indicate the superiority of the proposed method to the Riazi-Daubert and Sancet correlations.     

Pool Boiling Heat Transfer to Phosphoric Acid Solutions

Phosphoric acid is a weak electrolyte with complex physical properties. This complexity combined with its industrial importance has necessitated intensive studies into its heat transfer behavior. In this investigation, pool boiling heat transfer coefficients of phosphoric acid solutions have been measured over a wide range of acid concentrations. The effects of various operating parameters such as heat flux, temperature, and acid concentration have been investigated. Also, the bubble departure diameter and the number of active nucleation sites for phosphoric acid solutions are compared with those for pure water under identical conditions. A model was developed for pool boiling heat transfer of phosphoric acid solutions, which can easily be adapted for other weak electrolyte solutions. In this model, the correct boiling temperature at the vapor/liquid interface is determined rather than applying an arbitrary correction to the boiling heat transfer coefficient. The proposed model is confirmed by comparison between calculated and experimental data.