Study of the Properties of Yemeni Crude Oil in Comparison with Some Sudanese Crude Oils

Abstract

Physicochemical parameters of crude oil obtained from some Yemeni fields (Jannah, Marib, Almaslah) and Sudanese (Nile blend, Dar blend, Moga) have been determined. The parameters studied were:, viscosity, specific and API gravity, pour point, acid no, sulphur content, and heavy metals namely: Ag, Ca, Cd, Co, Cd, Cr, Fe, K, Na, Ni, Pb and V. Determination of these parameters was done by ICP- Optically Emission Spectrometer, Universal of petroleum (UOP-915-92) was used to determine distribution of normal alkane and Gas Chromatography. Using standard procedures of American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). The result of this study has shown that crude oils obtained from some fields in Yemen and Sudan contains low levels of sulphur. Most crude oils obtained from Yemen can thus be classified as light-sweet crude oils while Sudan crude oils can be classified as medium – sweet. Carbon preference Index (CPI) of Yemen and Sudan crude oils ranging about 1.00 (1.04-1.1), (1.17 – 1.65) these mean maturity Yemen and Sudan crude oils. pr/ph in this study <2 (0.4037-1.6585) these indicate Yemen crude oil including marine, within increasing maturity but Sudan crude oils Pr/Ph (2.005–2.32)describe mixed organic source matter terrestrial environments while Moga is terrestrial sediments crude oil Pr/Ph (25.57) with increasing maturity. The V/Ni decreases with the age of oil So Yemen and Sudan crude oils are young age and mature because V/Ni less than 1 and classify as paraffinic.This study presents the operational conditions for wax production from Safer Blend. Yemen's oil, characterized as sweet oil with a high level of wax content (39.67 wt %). The method of solvent extraction was employed using a Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) - Toluene mixture as solvent. The study covered a wide range of mixing temperatures (40 to 60 0C).