Experimental Investigation of Asphaltene Deposition Remediation in Northern Iraqi Fields Using Green Metal Oxide Nanofluids/chemicals as Dispersants

Abstract

Precipitation of asphaltene is a significant technological Hurdle for the petroleum industry. There are several processes utilized to eliminate or stop the precipitation of asphaltene, while the applications of asphaltene inhibitors give the most efficient and cost-effective method of treating deposits. This study examined the practical effects of Asphaltenes were studied using inhibitors (ASFIN and ZnO NFs) also the remediation of asphaltene in dynamic conditions in terms of Pressure, Temperature and inhibitor concentration. An asphaltene precipitation loop was designed to mimic the real production scenarios in field conditions. It was found that nanofluids outperformed typical chemicals used in asphaltene remediation by a significant margin. Results of this experiment were then tested by UV-vis spectrophotometer which showed significant adsorption of asphaltene by nano particles.