Laboratory evaluation experimental techniques of asphaltene precipitation and deposition controlling chemical additives

Ali, Syed Imran; Zahoor, Awan; Lalji, Shaine Mohammadali

doi:10.1016/j.fuel.2021.122194

Cited by 39 publications

(24 citation statements)

References 206 publications

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“…By now, a huge amount of data has been accumulated concerning the physicochemical properties of various oils and oil fractions, as well as the molecular structure of their individual components. , However, it should be recognized that our ability to predict the macroscopic properties and behavior of oil systems containing heavy components is still limited. , For instance, the information about oil composition obtained via the SARA method gives us only qualitative guidance . To find the clear-cut boundaries for oil stability and conditions of asphaltene aggregation, direct experimental measurements are yet to be made to predict fouling of the system. − The complexity of heavy-oil systems, the diversity of the reasons which initiate the aggregation process, and the discrepancy between different mechanisms leading to the formation of asphaltene deposits drive us to use rather sophisticated analytical tools to solve the problem, including those based on neural networks , and in situ methods. − …”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Fine-Tuning Simulation of the ESR Spectrum─Sensitive Tool to Identify the Local Environment of Asphaltenes In Situ

2022

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An original method to study the local environment of vanadyl-containing components of heavy oils based on finetuning simulation of their electron spin resonance (ESR) spectra in situ is developed. The approach is backgrounded on precise computation of anisotropic ESR spectra of individual porphyrin complexes in specific solvents modeling a particular local environment of certain polarity using specific g and A tensor components, their dispersion, and linewidth determined by unresolved super-hyperfine interaction with the closest nitrogen. The high level of simulation accuracy allowed us to differentiate the values of the g and A tensor components related to individual vanadyl complexes in different solvents with certain polarity in reference systems and attribute the observed variation to the interaction of the vanadyl complex with surrounding molecules located in its axial direction. The method developed for the model systems is successfully applied to the real oil-based systems where different vanadyl complexes with different local environments are presented, forming the experimentally observed ESR spectrum. The Monte Carlo procedure was suggested to define the relative contribution (weight) of the individual spectra having tiny peculiarities related to vanadyl fragments in different local environments and finally mapping the g and A tensor components distribution which is characteristic for the particular oil-based sample. Extraordinary sensitivity to the localization and interaction with surrounding molecules of vanadyl-containing complexes which are present in heavy oil as a natural spin probe or can be specially introduced give us a unique opportunity to in situ study the local environment of asphaltenes and their intermolecular interactions with other oil components.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Fine-Tuning Simulation of the ESR Spectrum─Sensitive Tool to Identify the Local Environment of Asphaltenes In Situ

2022

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“… 10 , 11 The asphaltene molecule is composed of mainly carbon and hydrogen and some amount of heteroatoms and metallic compounds. 6 , 12 , 13 The composition of asphaltene is considered an important stability parameter because it provides information regarding the asphaltene precipitation risk in crude oils. It was reported by several researchers that asphaltene stability in crude oils increases as the H/C ratio of asphaltene increases and aromaticity and heteroatoms decreases.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…This problem could arise anywhere in the production system, i.e., at the reservoir or at subsurface and surface facilities . Asphaltene deposition could impact oil companies technically in terms of the deployment of complex treatment methods and economically with respect to interruption of sustainable hydrocarbon production and implementation of expensive treatment techniques. − …”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Determination of Asphaltene Stability in Crude Oils Using a Deposit Level Test Coupled with a Spot Test: A Simple and Qualitative Approach

et al. 2022

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The main goal of this study is to monitor the stability of crude oils in terms of both precipitation and deposition magnitude with respect to time. To achieve this goal, two experimental techniques which include a deposit level test and a spot test were integrated and applied simultaneously. The method was implemented using six crude oils, namely A, B, D, E, F, and G, and tests were performed at different times which split them into short duration tests and long duration tests. All crude oils were found to exhibit potential for asphaltene precipitation and subsequent deposition at different rates. Crude oils B, G, and D were observed to have started asphaltene precipitation and subsequent deposition relatively quicker. Similarly, crude oils B, A, and F exhibit a higher potential for producing asphaltene deposits in terms of deposition level. Crude oil E produces relatively fewer deposits at comparatively slower rates. The overall result indicates that crude oil B was found to be the most risky crude oil as it produces a higher quantity of deposits at higher rates, while crude oil E proved to be the least risky. Sensitivity analysis was also performed via the computing relevancy factor to determine the relative importance of two input parameters, namely the specific gravity of crude oil and the time for two-output precipitation intensity and deposition level. Precipitation intensities were found by the implementation of an image-processing tool on spot test results. The relationship between time and precipitation intensity was found to be negligible; however, the correlation between time and deposition level was found to be strongly positive with a relevancy factor value of approximately 0.521. Similarly, the relationship of the specific gravity of oil with precipitation intensity and deposition level was found to be moderately negative and very close to each other, i.e., −0.228 and −0.247, respectively. The integration of the deposit level test with the spot test allows the continuous and simultaneously reliable monitoring of both asphaltene precipitation and deposition at different times without involving cost, complex instrumentation, or interpretation, irrespective of the type of oil. The method enables the successful determination of stability ranking of different crude oils both in terms of precipitation and deposition.

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“…10 The use of surfactants and chemical additives to solubilize asphaltenes has also been studied. 11,12 An important methodology for asphaltene extraction and separation uses metal oxides, particularly in the nanostructured form. 10,13−17 The advent of nanotechnology brought a significant advance in the search for the problems caused by asphaltenes.…”

Section: ■ Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Another important method for separating oil components is chromatography with different adsorbent matrices and eluents . The use of surfactants and chemical additives to solubilize asphaltenes has also been studied. , An important methodology for asphaltene extraction and separation uses metal oxides, particularly in the nanostructured form. ,− The advent of nanotechnology brought a significant advance in the search for the problems caused by asphaltenes. Nanostructured materials (NM) have several unique properties, such as the vast surface area, catalytic properties, and the possibility of surface functionalization created to provide specific properties and binding affinities.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Harvesting of Surfactant-Solubilized Asphaltenes by Magnetic Nanoparticles

et al. 2022

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Asphaltenes are a severe problem for the oil industry. The high content of aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbons in asphaltenes poses a challenge for efficient methods of the solubilization and degradation of their components. The main goal of this study was to investigate an efficient and innovative method for asphaltene solubilization with surfactants to produce supramolecular aggregates with affinity by magnetic nanoparticles (Fe 3 O 4 ) for magnetic separation and degradation. Asphaltene mixed with the cationic surfactant cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) was both solubilized in chloroform and the solvent dried with N 2 to produce a film that was resuspended in water and formed a stable colloid with asphaltene incorporated in CTAB micelles. The suspensions of CTAB/asphaltene supramolecular aggregates obtained at different surfactant/asphaltene ratios were characterized by dynamic and static light scattering (DLS and SLS) and by electrophoretic mobility for ζ potential determination. CTAB concentrations of 30 and 60 mM produced spherical supramolecular aggregates (SMAs) of size between 100 and 200 nm with polydispersity. The ζ potential of CTAB micelles loaded with asphaltenes increased from +9.17 +/− 4.6 to +56.7 +/− 5.8 eV. Electron paramagnetic resonance revealed that asphaltene forms stable free radicals in CTAB micelles. Classical molecular dynamics simulations were also used to study interactions of the functional groups of asphaltenes. The association with CTAB micelles provided the binding affinity of asphaltenes for nanoparticulate magnetite (Fe 3 O 4 ) and precipitation of the most CTAB content. In this condition, Fe 3 O 4 promoted the degradation of asphaltenes to low molecular mass products. Therefore, incorporation in CTAB micelles is a simple and innovative method contributing to asphaltene removal, degradation, and possible conversion to products with aggregated value.

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Laboratory evaluation experimental techniques of asphaltene precipitation and deposition controlling chemical additives

Cited by 39 publications

References 206 publications

Fine-Tuning Simulation of the ESR Spectrum─Sensitive Tool to Identify the Local Environment of Asphaltenes In Situ

Fine-Tuning Simulation of the ESR Spectrum─Sensitive Tool to Identify the Local Environment of Asphaltenes In Situ

Determination of Asphaltene Stability in Crude Oils Using a Deposit Level Test Coupled with a Spot Test: A Simple and Qualitative Approach

Harvesting of Surfactant-Solubilized Asphaltenes by Magnetic Nanoparticles

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