Test Methods for Determining Asphaltene Stability in Crude Oils
2003; Taylor & Francis; Volume: 21; Issue: 3-4 Linguagem: Inglês
10.1081/lft-120018540
ISSN1532-2459
Autores Tópico(s)Hydrocarbon exploration and reservoir analysis
ResumoAbstract The high cost of remediating asphaltene deposition in crude oil production and processing has necessitated the development of test methods for determining the stability of asphaltenes in crude oils. In the current work, the stability of asphaltenes in crude oils of varying API gravity is predicted using the Oliensis Spot Test, the Colloidal Instability Index, the Asphaltene–Resin ratio, and a solvent titration method with NIR solids detection. The test methods are described in detail and experimental data from them presented. The experimental stability data were validated via correlation with field deposition data. The effectiveness of the various tests as predictors of the stability of asphaltenes in oils is discussed. The Colloidal Instability Index and the solvent titration method were found to predict a crude oil's propensity towards asphaltene precipitation better than both the Asphaltene–Resin ratio and the Oliensis Spot Test. For oils with low asphaltene content where most stability tests fail, live oil depressurization is proposed as the test for predicting the stability of asphaltenes. Keywords: ArphaltenesResinsCrude oilStabilityBitumenDepositsColloids Acknowledgments My sincere thanks go to the Shell Westhollow Technology Center asphaltene team for their ideas and contributions to this work. My thanks also go to the management of Baker Petrolite for permission to publish this paper.
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