Molecular Thermodynamics of Asphaltene Precipitation in ReservoirFluids
A previously described molecular-thermodynamic framework, based on colloid theory, is used to correlate experimental asphaltene-precipitation data at high-temperature and pressure conditions. In this framework, asphaltenes and resins are represented by pseudopure components, and all other components in a crude oil are presented by a continuous medium that affects van der Waals attractions among asphaltene and resin molecules. Model parameters are evaluated systematically from average properties of asphaltenes and resins in crude oils, and from dispersion-force properties of the oil medium. Given the composition of the medium, and asphaltene and resin concentrations, the molecular-thermodynamic model described here can be used to identify the onset of asphaltene precipitation, and the total amount of precipitation at the given operation conditions. Calculated results for the effects of oil composition and pressure on asphaltene precipitation are in good agreement with at least some experimental measurements for four reservoir fluids, including Texaco, Shell, Weyburn, and North-Sea crude oils.
- Research Organization:
- Ernest Orlando Lawrence Berkeley NationalLaboratory, Berkeley, CA (US)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE Director, Office of Science. Office of Basic EnergySciences
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC02-05CH11231
- OSTI ID:
- 893725
- Report Number(s):
- LBNL--43617
- Journal Information:
- AIChE Journal, Journal Name: AIChE Journal Journal Issue: 1 Vol. 46; ISSN AICEAC; ISSN 0001-1541
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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