Viscometric determination of the onset of asphaltene flocculation: A novel method
- Univ. of Illinois, Chicago, IL (United States)
A new technique for the determination of the onset of asphaltene flocculation has been developed through accurate viscosity measurements of a crude oil being diluted with a precipitating agent (n-pentane, n-heptane, n-nonane). This detection method is based on experimental observations of an increase in the viscosity of a crude oil-asphaltene-precipitating agent suspension in which asphaltene particle aggregation occurs. The key point in this development is the phenomenon of asphaltene flocculation induced by the addition of a n-paraffin hydrocarbon (i.e. n-heptane, n-pentane, n-nonane) to crude oil. The onset of asphaltene flocculation is detected graphically, and its location is enhanced by comparison of the analyte curve with a reference system. The reference system was developed using polar and non-precipitating solvents (i.e. toluene, benzene, THF).
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- OSTI ID:
- 49276
- Journal Information:
- SPE Production and Facilities, Journal Name: SPE Production and Facilities Journal Issue: 2 Vol. 10; ISSN 1064-668X; ISSN SPRFEZ
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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