Patent ID: 7419939
Filing Date: 2008-09-02
Classification: C09K,E21B

Abstract:
1. A method for preparing a water-in-oil emulsion comprising the steps of: (a) providing one of a crude oil or a crude oil residuum (oil) (b) adding acid to said oil at a treat rate of about 10 to 1,000 parts per million to generate an acid enhanced oil, wherein said acid consists essentially of acid; (c) thermally treating the acid enhanced oil at a temperature of about 250° C. to about 450° C. and for a time and at a pressure sufficient to decrease the viscosity of said oil to generate a heat treated acid enhanced oil, wherein said pressure is about 30 pounds per square inch (psi) to about 300 psi; and (d) adding water to said heat treated acid enhanced oil and mixing until said water-in-oil emulsion is formed.