The Effect of Inhibitors on the Onset of Asphaltene Precipitation

The effect of some additives on the onset asphaltene precipitation in Iranian crude oil has been studied. Viscometric method was used for the measurement of the onset of asphaltene precipitation. The effect of solvent type and concentration on the onset of precipitation was investigated for Iranian crude oil. The retardation of asphaltene precipitation with addition of inhibitors was found to be in the order: m-cresol > m-xylene > toluene. The effect of solvent concentration was studied by this method. It was found that an increase in inhibitor concentration resulted in an increase in the onset of asphaltene precipitation.

Keywords:

Asphaltene , Inhibitor , Precipitation , Onset