Polymethyl Methacrylate-Graphene Oxide nanocomposite Pour Point Depressant to improve the flow of Waxy Crude Oil through Pipelines

Waxy crude oil is characterized by both light and heavy hydrocarbons, which pose great challenges in processing, transport, and storage due to the formation of paraffin wax and asphaltene. In order to address these flow problems, a nanocomposite-based polymeric pour point depressant (PPD) was synthesized and evaluated. The crude oils used were medium-heavy, with API gravities of 26.8 and 26.5, having a high pour point of 32–36 °C, thus requiring special treatment to ensure flow without interruption. The additives were checked for efficiency through pour point, rheological, and microscopic studies. Results show that the synthesized additives effectively lower the pour point and enhance the flow behavior. Untreated crude oil has pour points of around 36 °C, which shows poor flowability under cold conditions. The addition of PPD effectively lowers the pour point, with reductions of 6 °C, 9 °C, 12 °C, and 11 °C at concentrations of 250 ppm, 500 ppm, 750 ppm, and 1000 ppm, respectively. The optimum concentration is 750 ppm, achieving the lowest pour point of 24 °C. These results therefore underscore the capability of graphene-based nanocomposite PPD to act as a potentially effective flow assurance agent in the transport and handling of waxy crude oils.