Asphaltene deposition in a Taylor‐Couette device and a pipe: Theoretically achievable critical deposition regimes

Abstract

In this paper, the effects of major asphaltene deposition model parameters, particle‐particle collision, and particle‐wall sticking efficiencies as well as asphaltene content in a hydrocarbon fluid on asphaltene deposition in both a Taylor‐Couette device and production tubing are numerically studied. The possibility of an increase in asphaltene deposition rate as a result of adding asphaltene inhibitors is investigated. The computations show that this critical effect is achievable in a Taylor‐Couette device operating in a batch regime only if the particle collision and the particle‐wall sticking efficiencies are more than an order of magnitude higher than those identified for asphaltenes present in hydrocarbon fluids. Calculations of deposition in the Taylor‐Couette device show also that an increase in the asphaltene content causes an increase in the rate of fluid depletion of particles able to deposit. The deposition calculations for a vertical pipe demonstrate that, due to continuous precipitation of primary particles along the tubing, a hydrocarbon fluid cannot be depleted of particles able to deposit; therefore the maximum deposit thickness always increases with an increase either in the major model parameters or the asphaltene content. Thus, the model parameter values indicating critical deposition regimes are different from those inherent to real hydrocarbon fluids; therefore, these regimes cannot be achieved in practical applications.

Influence of Fatty-Alkylamine Amphiphile on the Asphaltene Adsorption/Deposition at the Solid/Liquid Interface under Precipitating Conditions

“…Asphaltene deposition on metallic surfaces is generally studied using a Taylor–Couette device, − capillary tube, ,− or quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D). , Experiments by Nabzer et al indicated that the asphaltene deposition is diffusion-limited at low shear rates, while no deposition occurred at high shear rates. Eskin and co-workers , studied asphaltene deposition in a Couette device, and they modeled the phenomena by assuming that large particles do not contribute to the deposition process.…”

Eulerian Model To Predict Asphaltene Deposition Process in Turbulent Oil Transport Pipelines

“…Some researchers have attempted to investigate and measure asphaltene particle size distribution and studied its effects on deposition flux. Eskin et al employed the population balance approach for modeling the evolution of the particle size distribution. ,, According to their experimental data performed in a Couette device, the particle size distribution was very close to a log-normal function. Eskin et al showed that the shear removal rate and, consequently, the total depositing particle flux are influenced by particle size distribution.…”

“…Modeling results showed that increasing the asphaltene concentration and surface temperature had a tendency to increase the deposition rate of asphaltene; also, the deposition layer thickness is found to increase in the streamwise direction. In other work, Eskin et al studied the effect of asphaltene content and some major model parameters such as particle–particle collision and particle-wall sticking efficiencies on the deposition rate in a Taylor-Couette device and production tubing . Experimental data showed that increasing the asphaltene content leads to enhancing the rate of fluid depletion of particles able to be deposited.…”

Evaluation of the Influence of a Chemical Inhibitor on Asphaltene Destabilization and Deposition Mechanisms under Atmospheric and Oil Production Conditions Using QCM and AFM Techniques

“…Therefore, experimental devices allowing the detection of asphaltene deposition on solid surfaces appear to be the most appropriate tools for monitoring asphaltene precipitation and deposition phenomena with and without the presence of a chemical inhibitor. These include the Taylor–Couette device, capillary tube, , and quartz crystal microbalance (QCM). ,,, Additionally, recent progress in scanning tunneling microscopy and atomic force microscopy (AFM) have allowed the visualizing of asphaltene aggregates or asphaltene films on different media − and imaging of the atomic structure of complex, polydisperse molecules, including individual asphaltene molecules. − AFM has also been used for particle size analysis to characterize how an additive can inhibit the flocculation and/or deposition of asphaltenes on mineral surfaces . While the majority of studies have focused on the effects of carbon dioxide injection on the asphaltene deposition rate during enhanced oil recovery processes, few experimental studies have been conducted to examine the effects of miscible hydrocarbon injection on the asphaltene precipitation. , In particular, when natural gas is preferred to CO 2 in deep high-pressure reservoirs with high permeability, it is important to test the performance of chemical inhibitors to prevent the destabilization and deposition of asphaltenes over a wide range of temperature and pressure conditions during oil production.…”

“…Therefore, experimental devices allowing the detection of asphaltene deposition on solid surfaces appear to be the most appropriate tools for monitoring asphaltene precipitation and deposition phenomena with and without the presence of a chemical inhibitor. These include the Taylor−Couette device, 34 capillary tube, 35,36 and quartz crystal microbalance (QCM). 8,9,37,38 Additionally, recent progress in scanning tunneling microscopy and atomic force microscopy (AFM) have allowed the visualizing of asphaltene aggregates or asphaltene films on different media 39−42 and imaging of the atomic structure of complex, polydisperse molecules, including individual asphaltene molecules.…”