Synergistic effect of kerosene, alumina nanoparticles, and surfactants on the rheological behavior of heavy crude oil

The rheological enhancement of heavy crude oils remains a critical challenge for the petroleum industry due to their inherently high viscosity and density. This study evaluates the performance of kerosene-based nanofluid systems in improving the flow behavior of heavy crude oil from the East Baghdad field. Five formulations were investigated: surfactant alone (SDBS), alumina (Al₂O₃) nanoparticles, kerosene, a binary blend of kerosene and nanoparticles, and a ternary nanofluid comprising kerosene, alumina nanoparticles, and SDBS. TGA, XRD, and AFM were used to determine the thermal stability, crystallinity and surface morphology of the alumina nanoparticles. Experiments were upgraded at a temperature of 20-75°C and the ultrasonic-assisted dispersion treatment was done over a period of 15 to 60 minutes. The ternary nanofluid was the most tested system with the highest performance with a maximum viscosity reduction of 80 percent and an increase in API gravity of 50 percent. Such refinements show there is a great improvement in flowability and density properties of the crude. The findings demonstrate high-order synergistic relationships among surfactant, nanoparticles, and solvent under the stimulation of ultrasound, which provides a scalable and energy-efficient route towards heavy crude oil upgrading.