Investigation effect of different solvents and inhibitors on asphaltene precipitation (a review study)

Hydrodynamic and thermodynamic conditions change during the process of oil production to that of oil purification. In some cases, these changes become the bedrock of further problems in different oil facilities, such as production, transfer, and storage. In this regard, the sludge of heavy hydrocarbon is a case in point. In doing so, many factors have a role to play. For example, the changes of pressure, temperature, and flow pattern, each of which is of more importance sometimes than others. Consequently, recognizing the circumstances in which such sludge can appear is a matter of death and life. Of the types of sludge, asphaltene is the most famous and serious one. By far the most polar and heaviest fraction of oil, this sludge this. It solves into oil and is stable under normal conditions. To put it simply, hydrodynamic conditions either thermodynamic conditions will affect this solution, contributing to segregating asphaltene from oil. After this, it can be deposited within the reservoir and the well, near the well bore, inside the pipes designed to transfer oil purification. Considering serious issues come from the deposit of asphaltene, it is of the highest necessity to investigate feasible solutions in order to avoid or decline the implications of this sludge in the reservoir. To do so, there are a variety of workable methods, including using predictable methods, designing applicable processes, and injecting solvents and inhibitors. However, the injection of inhibitors is more prevalent practical than the other ones to control the rate of asphaltene deposit.

Keywords:

precipitation asphaltene , organic solvents , inhibitors