Forecasting Asphaltene Deposition Zones at High Temperature and High Pressure via Bubble Point Pressure Analysis

Abstract

A fast and reliable method to predict the zones of asphaltene deposition in oilfield wells is proposed. The study reveals that the critical colloidal instability index of crude oil during the production process increases, causing the crude oil colloidal system to be more prone to instability. The standing and Glaso models were used to identify the dissolved gas−oil ratio in order to predict the location of asphaltene deposition. Results show that the expected priority plugging removal region predicted by the model agrees with the actual plugging position observed in the field. The proposed model can guide the design of oil field plugging removal technology and chemical dosage.

Virtual Special Issue on Chemical Engineering under Extreme Conditions

“…Ever wondered what happens to a polymer under extreme pressures found at the deepest point in the ocean? Or how chemicals behave under extreme temperatures found in fires and boiling liquids? − This special issue includes a suite of exciting discoveries made under extreme conditions.…”

“…Other exciting studies in this VSI include antifreeze peptides in ultralow temperatures, asphaltene deposition under high temperatures and pressures, thermoplastics with thermal stability exceeding commercial products, materials for extreme microwave protection, thermostable porous materials, high-pressure hydrogen storage materials, low-temperature ethylene oxide production, and treatment of extremely toxic water …”