Research Article
Emulsion-Based Transportation of Nigerian Heavy Oil Using Alkaline Oil-in-Water Emulsions
Bayonle Tolani Ademodi,
Adebayo Bamidele Olanrewaju*
Issue:
Volume 15, Issue 2, June 2026
Pages:
45-50
Received:
12 April 2026
Accepted:
22 April 2026
Published:
16 May 2026
Abstract: Nigerian heavy crude oil has substantial potential as a transportable energy resource, but its high viscosity creates major challenges for pipeline flow. This study evaluated oil-in-water emulsification as a viscosity-reduction strategy for Agbabu heavy crude oil using a full factorial design. Emulsions were prepared at two temperatures (25 and 75°C), two NaOH concentrations (0.07 and 0.10 M), and two NaCl salinities (1 and 4 wt%) at a fixed oil-to-water ratio of 65:35 by weight, with butanol used as a co-surfactant. The emulsions were pumped through a 3.20 m pilot-scale pipeline and assessed in terms of flow rate, velocity, pressure drop, Reynolds number, apparent viscosity, and oil recovery after thermal demulsification. The results showed that temperature was the dominant factor affecting transportability. The formulation prepared at 75°C with 0.10 M NaOH and 4 wt% NaCl produced the most stable emulsion, the highest flow rate, the lowest pressure drop, and the smallest oil loss after pumping. Lower-temperature formulations were less stable and displayed substantially higher losses. Overall, the study demonstrates that appropriately formulated alkaline oil-in-water emulsions can significantly improve the pipeline transport of Nigerian heavy oil and may reduce the pumping energy required for future field applications.
Abstract: Nigerian heavy crude oil has substantial potential as a transportable energy resource, but its high viscosity creates major challenges for pipeline flow. This study evaluated oil-in-water emulsification as a viscosity-reduction strategy for Agbabu heavy crude oil using a full factorial design. Emulsions were prepared at two temperatures (25 and 75°...
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Research Article
Evaluation of Lateritic Iron Deposits in the Jimma Zone, South‑Western Ethiopia: Geology, Mineralogy, Geochemistry and Resource Potential
Yirgalem Hunegnaw*,
Mekdes Taye,
Tewodros Tilahun,
Habtamu Adugna,
Tadesse Tsehaw,
Ashenafi Yazew,
Dessalew Mengistie
Issue:
Volume 15, Issue 2, June 2026
Pages:
51-63
Received:
5 May 2026
Accepted:
2 July 2026
Published:
22 July 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.jenr.20261502.12
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Abstract: Lateritic iron deposits are widespread on the Ethiopian plateau but remain largely unevaluated. This study presents an integrated geological, mineralogical and geochemical assessment of seven lateritic iron occurrences in the Omo Beyem and Nedi Gibe woredas of the Jimma Zone, south‑western Ethiopia. The deposits are hosted by Tertiary volcanic rocks (basalt, rhyolite, and trachyte) of the Jimma Volcanics and occur as massive duricrust caps, stockwork veins, and ferruginous coatings on felsic volcanics. Reflected‑light petrography reveals an ore mineralogy dominated by hematite (30–60%) and goethite (10–35%) with minor magnetite (0.5–5%). Whole‑rock major‑oxide analyses of 131 samples from trenches, pits and outcrops yield Fe2O3 contents ranging from 7.0 wt.% to 70.7 wt.% (overall mean 48.33 wt.%). The highest grades are recorded at Demboba (mean 52.38% Fe2O3) and Chucha Serado (mean 63.00% Fe2O3). The Chemical Index of Alteration (CIA) of 88.5–89.2%, together with the near‑complete leaching of alkali and alkaline‑earth elements, indicates intense tropical weathering. A ternary SiO2–Al2O3–Fe2O3 diagram classifies the ores as products of moderate to strong lateritization. Resource estimation based on detailed mapping (1:5,000 scales), pitting, and trenching and bulk?density measurements yield an indicated total resource of approximately 2.7 million tonnes of contained iron metal. The results establish the Jimma laterites as a medium‑grade iron resource suitable for small‑scale industrial exploitation and significantly expand the known lateritic iron province of the Ethiopian plateau southward.
Abstract: Lateritic iron deposits are widespread on the Ethiopian plateau but remain largely unevaluated. This study presents an integrated geological, mineralogical and geochemical assessment of seven lateritic iron occurrences in the Omo Beyem and Nedi Gibe woredas of the Jimma Zone, south‑western Ethiopia. The deposits are hosted by Tertiary volcanic rock...
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