Abstract: The invention relates to a method including a system of additives which increase fluidity and/or flow capacity and minimize pressure drops from the steps of lifting in production wells, collection lines, dehydration systems and ducts for transporting heavy and extra-heavy hydrocarbons. In addition, the injected system of chemical additives increases the dilution capacity of the solvents that need to be applied to improve the quality of the crude oil (reduce viscosity and density, and increase API gravity), thereby facilitating the dehydration and transport.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method including a system of additives which increase fluidity and/or flow capacity and minimize pressure drops from the steps of lifting in production wells, collection lines, dehydration systems and ducts for transporting heavy and extra-heavy hydrocarbons. In addition, the injected system of chemical additives increases the dilution capacity of the solvents that need to be applied to improve the quality of the crude oil (reduce viscosity and density, and increase API gravity), thereby facilitating the dehydration and transport.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the dehydration of, and in-line removal of asphaltenes from, heavy and extra-heavy crudes. The method is performed at the well head at pressures of between 414 and 689 KPa and temperatures of between 60 and 100° C. and includes two phases, namely a dehydration phase and a deasphalting phase. The first phase includes the addition of solvent, removal of free water, heating, addition of emulsion breakers and settling for removal of emulsified water. The asphaltenes are extracted in the second phase. Said phase comprises the use of low-force in-line static mixers and contactors having a specific design and a sedimentation device with specific internal arrangements for separation. The recovered solvent is recirculated into the method, the improved crude is separated and the asphaltenes are used as fuel for cogeneration which supplies the energy requirements for production and the improvement method.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the dehydration of, and in-line removal of asphaltenes from, heavy and extra-heavy crudes. The method is performed at the well head at pressures of between 414 and 689 KPa and temperatures of between 60 and 100° C. and includes two phases, namely a dehydration phase and a deasphalting phase. The first phase includes the addition of solvent, removal of free water, heating, addition of emulsion breakers and settling for removal of emulsified water. The asphaltenes are extracted in the second phase. Said phase comprises the use of low-force in-line static mixers and contactors having a specific design and a sedimentation device with specific internal arrangements for separation. The recovered solvent is recirculated into the method, the improved crude is separated and the asphaltenes are used as fuel for cogeneration which supplies the energy requirements for production and the improvement method.

Abstract: An on-line and/or batch process to obtain a liquid mixture consisting of coal/asphaltenes-fuel oil/heavy crude oil-surfactant-water, through dispersion of a coal-water mixture, using a mechanical element defined as a static mixer or a tank with shaking.

Abstract: A heavy hydrocarbon, oil-in-water emulsion that has a relatively low viscosity for improved transport is disclosed. The emulsion is produced by combining the heavy hydrocarbon with an aqueous solution of emulsifier with agitation. The emulsifier has an HLB value of about 13 to about 16. The emulsifier can be anionic, nonionic, amphoteric, or a mixture thereof. Stirring is effected at medium shear values of about 0.1 sec.sup.-1 to about 20 sec.sup.-1 and at a mixer speed of 50 to 2000 rpm. The mixer imparts sufficient power and shear to the emulsion so that a mean oil droplet size of about 30 .mu.m is obtained.