Study of asphaltenes adsorption onto different minerals and clays

Asphaltene Adsorption on Solid Surfaces Investigated Using Quartz Crystal Microbalance with Dissipation under Flow Conditions

Asphaltenes can cause operational challenges in petroleum production facilities and adversely affect production by adsorption on mineral surfaces and alteration of the oil wettability of reservoirs. Therefore, understanding asphaltene adsorption mechanisms and their effects is crucial to improving the efficiency of oil production and reducing costs. In this study, we focus on understanding the impact of asphaltene concentration and the depositing environment of asphaltene adsorption on solid surfaces using the quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D) technique. The initial and long-term kinetics of adsorption at different concentrations were examined on three different solid surfaces including silicon dioxide to represent quartz mineral, stainless steel, and gold. The frequency-dissipation data showed evidence of monolayer adsorption initially, followed by multilayer formation. At short times, the adsorbed mass increased linearly with time, suggesting that the process was kinetically controlled rather than diffusion-controlled. The results were reproducible and did not depend on convection velocity but did depend on the surface material. At later stages, the monolayer development appeared to follow the random sequential adsorption (RSA) theory. Once multilayer adsorption commenced, the rates agreed well with the two-layer model of Zhu and Gu, 1990. The impact of asphaltene adsorption on the wettability of the surface was examined using contact angle studies, which showed decreasing water wettability with an increase in the adsorbed mass. The contact angle of water after 12 h of adsorption leveled off at around 100° on all three surfaces. Contact angle measurements were also used to evaluate if brine salinity causes the wettability alteration of surfaces with the adsorbed asphaltene. The results indicate that at 3% NaCl solution, the contact angle decreased only slightly by less than 2°.

Evaluation of rock and fluid intermolecular interaction between asphaltene and sand minerals using electrochemical, analytical spectroscopy and microscopy techniques

Long-time contact of heavy crude oil with rock leads to an adsorption phenomenon, which causes the rock surface to become oil-wet and appears as a barrier to the fluid flow in the porous media. However precise understanding of how asphaltene fractions influence sand wettability is lacking. The wetness of neat and asphaltene-aged sandstone was calculated using two relative permeability and contact angle methods. Then the molecular interaction between asphaltene and sand minerals was systematically analyzed using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Furthermore, the zeta potential was representative of electrostatic properties and surface charge alteration of the sand after these phenomena. Scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis also showed elemental mapping and dispersion of asphaltene particles on the rock surface. According to contact angle and EDX analyses of asphaltene samples, the contact angle rises from 115° to 141° by an increase in carbon adsorption on the sand surface from 8.23 to 41.56%. Spectroscopy results demonstrated that hydrogen-bonding, π-bonding, and sulfur-containing compounds such as sulfoxide improve asphaltene adsorption onto the sand surface. The higher the aromaticity index and hydrogen potential index of asphaltene, the greater the ability of asphaltene to change wettability. Adsorption of surface active components would make the surface charge of the sand more negative. The presence of nitrogen/sulfur-containing functional groups on the sand surface changed the electrostatic properties, as a sand surface coated with asphaltene would reduce the percentage of metal cations.

An experimental study of the effects of bacteria on asphaltene adsorption and wettability alteration of dolomite and quartz

The adsorption of asphaltene on the rock surface and the changes in its wettability are very relevant issues in flow assurance and oil recovery studies, and for carbonate reservoirs, they are even more important. During microbial enhanced oil recovery (MEOR) processes, wettability alteration is considered a crucial mechanism leading to improved oil recovery. Therefore, it is essential to understand the mechanisms of surface wettability changes by bacteria and biosurfactants and find new and reliable methods to prevent asphaltene adsorption. Hence, the main aim of this research was to investigate the effect of a mixture of thiobacillus thiooxidans and thiobacillus ferooxidans microorganisms with an optimum effective temperature of around 30 °C (referred to as mesophilic bacteria), as well as a mixture of two moderate thermophiles Sulfobacillus thermosulfidooxidans for operating temperatures around 50 °C (referred to as moderately thermophilic bacteria) on the adsorption of asphaltene samples isolated from two different crude oils onto main reservoir minerals (i.e., quartz and dolomite). The results indicated that after two weeks of mineral aging in moderate thermophilic bacteria, the adsorption of asphaltene on both minerals increased between 180 and 290%. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis for quartz and dolomite samples demonstrated that after aging in bacterial solution, bonds related to the adsorption of bacterial cells and biosurfactant production appear, which are the main factors of change in wettability. Alteration in wettability towards hydrophilicity expands hydrogen bonds on the surface, thus improving asphaltene adsorption due to polar interaction. Asphaltene 1 changed the contact angle of dolomite from 53.85° to 90.51° and asphaltene 2 from 53.85° to 100.41°. However, both strains of bacteria caused a strong water-wetting effect on the dolomite rock samples. The influence of moderate thermophilic bacteria on surface wettability is more significant than that of mesophilic bacteria, which may be caused by the high protein content of these bacteria, which expands hydrogen bonding with the surface. Adsorption of asphaltenes on dolomite rocks previously aged with bacteria showed that the wetted rock samples retained their water-wet state. This study highlights the dual impact of the used microorganisms. On one hand, they significantly reduce contact angles and shift wettability towards a strongly water-wet condition, a crucial positive factor for MEOR. On the other hand, these microorganisms can elevate the adsorption of asphaltenes on reservoir rock minerals, posing a potential challenge in the form of formation damage, particularly in low-permeability reservoirs.

Detachment of Dodecane from Silica Surfaces with Variable Surface Chemistry Studied Using Molecular Dynamics Simulation

The adsorption and detachment processes of n-dodecane (C₁₂H₂₆) molecules were studied on silica surfaces with variable surface chemistry (Q², Q³, Q⁴ environments), using molecular dynamics simulations. The area density of the silanol groups varied from 9.4 to 0 per nm². The shrinking of the oil-water-solid contact line was a key step for the oil detachment, due to water diffusion on the three-phase contact line. The simulation results showed that oil detachment was easier and faster on a perfect Q³ silica surface which had (≡Si(OH))-type silanol groups, due to the H-bond formation between the water and silanol groups. When the surfaces contained more Q² crystalline type which had (≡Si(OH)₂)-type silanol groups, less oil detached, due to the formations of H-bonds among the silanol groups. There were no silanol groups on the Si-OH 0 surface. Water cannot diffuse on the water-oil-silica contact line, and oil cannot detach from the Q⁴ surface. The detachment efficiency of oil from the silica surface not only depended on the area density, but also on the types of silanol groups. The density and type of silanol groups depend on the crystal cleavage plane, particle size, roughness, and humidity.

Experimental measurement and modeling of asphaltene adsorption onto iron oxide and lime nanoparticles in the presence and absence of water

Asphaltene precipitation and its adsorption on different surfaces are challenging topics in the upstream and downstream of the oil industries and the environment. In this research, the phenomenon of asphaltenes adsorption in the presence and absence of water on the surface of magnetite, hematite, calcite, and dolomite nanoparticles (NPs) was investigated. Five asphaltenes of different origins, four NPs as adsorbents and Persian Gulf water were used for three-phase (asphaltene/toluene solution + NPs + water) experiments. Characterization of asphaltenes and NPs was performed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic (FTIR), dynamic light scattering (DLS), elemental analysis, and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). Adsorption experiments were performed in two- (asphaltene/toluene solution + NPs) and three-phase systems. The results showed that the most effective parameters for asphaltene adsorption onto these NPs are the asphaltene composition, namely nitrogen content, and the aromaticity of asphaltenes. The significant effects of these parameters were also confirmed by the relevancy factor function as a sensitivity analysis. In the competition of asphaltene adsorption capacity by NPs, iron oxide NPs had the highest adsorption (Magnetite NPs > Hematite NPs > Calcite NPs > Dolomite NPs). From the results of the experiments in the presence of water phase, it could be pointed out that the asphaltenes adsorption onto the NPs was accompanied by a decrease compared to the experiments in the absence of water. The modeling also showed that physical adsorption has a significant contribution to the asphaltenes adsorption on the surface of iron oxides and lime NPs. The results of this research can assist in a better understanding of the asphaltene adsorption phenomenon and the role of iron oxide and lime NPs in solving this problem.

Hydrophilic Silica Nanoparticles in O/W Emulsion: Insights from Molecular Dynamics Simulation

Previous studies have been carried out on the effect of silica nanoparticles (SNPs) on the stability of oil-water emulsions. However, the combining configuration of SNPs and oil droplets at the molecular level and the effect of SNP content on the coalescence behavior of oil droplets cannot be obtained through experiments. In this paper, molecular dynamics (MD) simulation was performed to investigate the adsorption configuration of hydrophilic SNPs in an O/W emulsion system, and the effect of adsorption of SNPs on coalescence of oil droplets. The simulation results showed: (i) SNPs adsorbed on the surface of oil droplets, and excessive SNPs self-aggregated and connected by hydrogen bonds. (ii) Partially hydrophilic asphaltene and resin molecules formed adsorption configurations with SNPs, which changed the distribution of oil droplet components. Furthermore, compared with hydrophobic asphaltene, the hydrophilic asphaltene was easier to combine with SNPs. (iii) SNPs would extend the oil droplet coalescence time, and the π-π stacking structures were formed between asphaltene and asphaltene or resin molecules to enhance the connection between oil droplets during the oil droplet contact process. (iv) Enough SNPs tightly wrapped around the oil droplet, similar to the formation of a rigid film on the surface of an oil droplet, which hindered the contact and coalescence of components between oil droplets.

Cu-BDC and Cu2O Derived from Cu-BDC for the Removal and Oxidation of Asphaltenes: A Comparative Study

Asphaltenes have been associated with a number of problems in the petroleum industry with regard to the storage, exploration, and transportation of petroleum crude. In the current work, Copper-BenzeneDiCarboxylic acid (Cu-BDC) and Cu-BDC derived metal oxide has been used in the removal and oxidation of the asphaltenes. The MOF derived metal oxide was confirmed to be Cu2O. Though adsorption of asphaltenes followed a Langmuir adsorption isotherm in both cases, Cu-BDC was superior to Cu2O with an adsorption capacity four times that of the adsorption capacity of Cu2O. Also, the kinetic studies showed that the adsorption kinetics followed pseudo second order adsorption kinetics in both cases. From the oxidation studies, it was found that Cu-BDC was unstable beyond 350 °C and had no role in catalyzing the oxidation reaction. The Cu2O, however, was successful at catalyzing the asphaltene oxidation reaction and a reduction of 50 °C in oxidation temperature was observed. Hence comparing Cu-BDC with Cu2O, MOF was successful in the adsorption reaction but the MOF derived metal oxide had the upper hand in the oxidation reaction.

Catalytic Decomposition of n-C7 Asphaltenes Using Tungsten Oxides–Functionalized SiO2 Nanoparticles in Steam/Air Atmospheres

A wide range of technologies are being developed to increase oil recovery, reserves, and perform in situ upgrading of heavy crude oils. In this study, supported tungsten oxide nanoparticles were synthesized, characterized, and evaluated for adsorption and catalytic performance during wet in situ combustion (6% of steam in the air, in volumetric fraction) of n-C7 asphaltenes. Silica nanoparticles of 30 nm in diameter were synthesized using a sol–gel methodology and functionalized with tungsten oxides, using three different concentrations and calcination temperatures: 1%, 3%, 5% (mass fraction), and 350 °C, 450 °C, and 650 °C, respectively. Equilibrium batch adsorption experiments were carried out at 25 ℃ with model solutions of n-C7 asphaltenes diluted in toluene at concentrations from 100 mg·L−1 to 2000 mg·L−1, and catalytic wet in situ combustion of adsorbed heavy fractions was carried out by thermogravimetric analysis coupled to FT-IR. The results showed improvements of asphaltenes decomposition by the action of the tungsten oxide nanoparticles due to the reduction in the decomposition temperature of the asphaltenes up to 120 °C in comparison with the system in the absence of WOX nanoparticles. Those synthesis parameters, such as temperature and impregnation dosage, play an important role in the adsorptive and catalytic activity of the materials, due to the different WOX–support interactions as were found through XPS. The mixture released during the catalyzed asphaltene decomposition in the wet air atmosphere reveals an increase in light hydrocarbons, methane, and hydrogen content. Hydrogen production was prioritized between 300 and 400 °C where, similarly, the reduction of CO, CH4, and the increase in CO2 content, associated with water–gas shift, and methane reforming reactions occur, respectively. The results show that these catalysts can be used either for in situ upgrading of crude oil, or any application where heavy fractions must be transformed.

Experimental Measurement and Equilibrium Modeling of Adsorption of Asphaltenes from Various Origins onto the Magnetite Surface under Static and Dynamic Conditions

Wettability alterations, permeability reduction of reservoir rocks, and oil production decline may occur as a consequence of asphaltene adsorption and deposition on the surfaces of oil reservoir rocks. Magnetite and other iron minerals are abundant in the rock composition of sandstone reservoirs and cause problems by precipitation and adsorption of polar components of crude oil. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the adsorption of six asphaltene samples of various origins onto the magnetite surface. Characterization of magnetite was performed by Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray fluorescence (XRF). Also, FTIR, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and elemental analysis were performed to characterize asphaltenes. Static and dynamic adsorption experiments were carried out to investigate the effects of the water phase, adsorbent size, flow rate, and asphaltene compositions on asphaltene uptake by the magnetite. The results showed that an increase in the nitrogen content and aromatic nature of asphaltenes increased their adsorption on magnetite. The addition of water to the adsorption tests significantly reduced the adsorption amount of asphaltenes on the magnetite. A considerable decrease in asphaltene adsorption was observed with an increase in the flow rate in dynamic tests. This shows that higher flow rates reduce the interaction between adsorbed asphaltenes and asphaltene aggregates in the solution, which reduces the uptake of more asphaltenes. Moreover, adsorbed asphaltene components with a weaker bond are detached from the magnetite surface, which can be attributed to the physisorption of asphaltenes. Eventually, four well-known adsorption isotherm models, namely, Langmuir, Dubinin-Radushkevich, Temkin, and Freundlich were utilized to find the mechanisms of asphaltene adsorption onto the magnetite surface. The Freundlich model seems to provide better estimates for the adsorption of asphaltenes on the magnetite surface. The findings of this study render insights into the better management of oil production in formations with iron-containing rocks.

Experimental study and modelling of asphaltene deposition on metal surfaces with superhydrophobic and low sliding angle inner coatings

Inner coatings have emerged as a novel technique to prevent the deposition of paraffin, wax, scale, and corrosion of pipelines during oil production and transport. Few studies addressed this technique for preventing asphaltene deposition. In this study, two superhydrophobic inner coatings, including polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) coating and nanosilica coating, were fabricated on metal surfaces and the asphaltene deposition on these coated surfaces was examined. A model oil solution was prepared using asphaltene and heptol and the effect of static and dynamic flow states on the amount of asphaltene deposition on uncoated electrodes, PTFE coated electrodes, and nanosilica coated electrodes were investigated. The results showed that the PTFE coating is more effective in reducing asphaltene deposition than nanosilica coating. The PTFE coating could reduce 56% of the deposition in a static state and more than 70% in a dynamic state at an asphaltene concentration of 2000 ppm. For PTFE coating in a dynamic state, the deposition rate is negligible in long times. In addition, it was found that the type of flow state affects the asphaltene deposition kinetics. The results demonstrate that, in the static state, the nth-order kinetics model, and in the dynamic state, the double exponential models are in best agreement with the experimental data.

A review of the interfacial stability mechanism of aging oily sludge: Heavy components, inorganic particles, and their synergism

Oily sludge is widely produced in the processes of petroleum exploitation, storage, transportation, and refining, and becomes more stable during aging. The interfacial stability of aging oily sludge hinders the recovery and disposal of oil resources. This review summarizes the interfacial film stability of aging oily sludge, which occurs through the formation of viscoelastic and rigid bilayer interfacial films between heavy components (asphaltenes and resins) and inorganic particles. The bilayer interfacial films enhance interfacial film strength and hinder the aggregation of droplets, contributing to the formation of a stable and high-viscosity oil-water-solid three-phase mixture. Recent demulsification technologies for reducing the stability of interfacial films have been classified as follows: removing heavy components, changing asphaltene aggregate structure, and reducing inorganic particle content. More efficient demulsification technologies are expected to be developed by deeply analyzing the microstructure and interfacial properties of asphaltenes and resins, as well as comprehensively studying the complex interactions among various components. This review constructs a bridge between the stability mechanism and the corresponding destabilization methods, which would promote future studies in aging oily sludge treatment.

Effect of Textural Properties and Surface Chemical Nature of Silica Nanoparticles from Different Silicon Sources on the Viscosity Reduction of Heavy Crude Oil

The main objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of the textural properties and surface chemical nature of silica nanoparticles obtained from different synthesis routes and silicon precursors, on their interactions with asphaltenes and further viscosity reduction of heavy crude oil (HO). Four different SiO₂ nanoparticles were used, namely, commercial fumed silica nanoparticles (CSNs) and three in-house-synthesized nanoparticles (named based on the silicon source) modifying the silicon precursor: sodium silicate (SNSS), tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS) (SNT), and rice husk (SNRH). The nanomaterials were characterized through dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, N₂ physisorption (S _BET), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and X-ray photoelectron (XP) spectroscopy (XPS). The adsorption of asphaltenes over the different nanoparticles was evaluated at a concentration of 1000 mg·L^-1 in toluene. The asphaltene-nanoparticle interactions are closely related to several textural properties, such as roughness, surface area, and hydrodynamic diameter, as well as the surface chemical nature of the materials. The results in the textural characterization exhibited that the sizes of the nanoparticles from TEM ranged between 6.9 and 11.5 nm. Nevertheless, the standard deviation of the measurements showed that the sizes are statistically similar. Inversely, the hydrodynamic diameter changed, affecting the surface silanol group's availability due to a hindering effect on functional groups as the hydrodynamic size of the material increased. The rheological measurements were performed at a fixed nanoparticle dosage of 1000 mg·L^-1 and showed that the trend of the degree of viscosity reduction (DVR) was CSN > SNT > SNSS > SNRH with the highest value yielding at 30%. The results of DVR are in accordance with the nanoparticles' adsorptive capacity as higher values were obtained with the material that leads to a higher amount of adsorbed asphaltenes. Also, the oxygen amount related to silanol groups, estimated by the XPS analysis, showed a direct relation regarding adsorption capacity and further HO viscosity reduction.

Colloid chemistry and experimental techniques for understanding fundamental behaviour of produced water in oil and gas production

Due to increasing volumes of produced water and environmental concerns related to its discharge, water treatment has become a major challenge during the production of crude oil and natural gas. With continuously stricter regulations for discharging produced water to sea, the operators are obliged to look for ways to improve the treatment processes or re-use the water in a beneficial way, for example as a pressure support during oil recovery (produced water re-injection). To improve the knowledge of the underlying phenomena governing separation processes, detailed information of the composition and interfacial properties of produced water is undoubtedly useful and could provide valuable input for better understanding and improving separation models. This review article summarizes knowledge gained about produced water composition and the most common treatment technologies, which are later used to describe the fundamental phenomena occurring during separation. These colloidal interactions, such as coalescence of oil droplets, bubble-droplet attachment or partitioning of components between oil and water, are of crucial importance for the performance of various technologies and are sometimes overlooked in physical considerations of produced water treatment. The last part of the review deals with the experimental methodologies that are available to study these phenomena, provide data for models and support development of more efficient separation processes.

Microcalorimetry Study of the Adsorption of Asphaltenes and Asphaltene Model Compounds at the Liquid-Solid Surface

The adsorption of an acidic polyaromatic asphaltene model compound (C5PeC11) and indigenous C6-asphaltenes onto the liquid-solid surface is studied. Model compound C5PeC11 exhibits a similar type of adsorption with a plateau adsorbed amount as C6-asphaltenes onto three surfaces (silica, calcite, and stainless steel). Model compound BisAC11, with aliphatic end groups and no acidic functionality, does not adsorb at the liquid-silica surface, indicating the importance of polar interactions on adsorption. The values of the adsorption enthalpy characterized by the ΔHz parameter (the enthalpy at zero coverage) indicate that the type of adsorption and the driving force depend on the surface, a key feature when discussing asphaltene deposition. The adsorption of C5PeC11 onto silica is shown to be driven primarily by H bonding (ΔHz = -34.9 kJ/mol), unlike adsorption onto calcite where polar van der Waals and acidic/basic interactions are thought to be predominant (ΔHz = -23.5 kJ/mol). Interactions between C5PeC11 and stainless steel are found to be weak (ΔHz = -7.7 kJ/mol). Comparing C6-asphaltenes and their esterified counterpart shows that adsorption at the liquid-solid surface is not influenced by the formation of H bonds. This was evidenced by the similar adsorbed amounts obtained. Finally, C5PeC11 captures, to a certain extent, the adsorption interactions of asphaltenes present at the calcite-oil and stainless steel-oil surfaces.

Adsorption of asphaltenes on the calcite (10.4) surface by first-principles calculations

While the asphaltene-resin dimer leads to π–π stacking outward from surface, sulphide group favors this nanoaggregate adsorption on calcite that is energetically similar to the asphaltene monomer adsorbed through less steric and dielectric effects.

Probing Contaminant Transport to and from Clay Surfaces in Organic Solvents and Water Using Solution Calorimetry

Clays, in tailings, are a significant ongoing environmental concern in the mining and oilsands production industries, and clay rehabilitation following contamination poses challenges episodically. Understanding the fundamentals of clay behavior can lead to better environmental impact mitigation strategies. Systematic calorimetric measurements are shown to provide a framework for parsing the synergistic and antagonistic impacts of trace (i.e., parts per million level) components on the surface compositions of clays. The enthalpy of solution of as-received and "contaminated" clays, in as-received and "contaminated" organic solvents and water, at 60 °C and atmospheric pressure, provides important illustrative examples. Clay contamination included pre-saturation of clays with water and organic liquids. Solvent contamination included the addition of trace water to organic solvents and trace organic liquids to water. Enthalpy of solution outcomes are interpreted using a quantitative mass and energy balance modeling framework that isolates terms for solvent and trace contaminant sorption/desorption and surface energy effects. Underlying surface energies are shown to dominate the energetics of the solvent-clay interaction, and organic liquids as solvents or as trace contaminants are shown to displace water from as-received clay surfaces. This approach can be readily extended to include pH, salts, or other effects and is expected to provide mechanistic and quantitative insights underlying the stability of clays in tailings ponds and the behaviors of clays in diverse industrial and natural environments.

Model molecules mimicking asphaltenes

Asphalthenes are typically defined as the fraction of petroleum insoluble in n-alkanes (typically heptane, but also hexane or pentane) but soluble in toluene. This fraction causes problems of emulsion formation and deposition/precipitation during crude oil production, processing and transport. From the definition it follows that asphaltenes are not a homogeneous fraction but is composed of molecules polydisperse in molecular weight, structure and functionalities. Their complexity makes the understanding of their properties difficult. Proper model molecules with well-defined structures which can resemble the properties of real asphaltenes can help to improve this understanding. Over the last ten years different research groups have proposed different asphaltene model molecules and studied them to determine how well they can mimic the properties of asphaltenes and determine the mechanisms behind the properties of asphaltenes. This article reviews the properties of the different classes of model compounds proposed and present their properties by comparison with fractionated asphaltenes. After presenting the interest of developing model asphaltenes, the composition and properties of asphaltenes are presented, followed by the presentation of approaches and accomplishments of different schools working on asphaltene model compounds. The presentation of bulk and interfacial properties of perylene-based model asphaltene compounds developed by Sjöblom et al. is the subject of the next part. Finally the emulsion-stabilization properties of fractionated asphaltenes and model asphaltene compounds is presented and discussed.

Effect of acidic returned fluid on the electric demulsification of crude oil emulsions

The electric demulsification of emulsions in acidic and basic conditions were studied. Two aggregation models of droplets were obtained.

Understanding mechanisms of asphaltene adsorption from organic solvent on mica

The adsorption process of asphaltene onto molecularly smooth mica surfaces from toluene solutions of various concentrations (0.01-1 wt %) was studied using a surface forces apparatus (SFA). Adsorption of asphaltenes onto mica was found to be highly dependent on adsorption time and asphaltene concentration of the solution. The adsorption of asphaltenes led to an attractive bridging force between the mica surfaces in asphaltene solution. The adsorption process was identified as being controlled by the diffusion of asphaltenes from the bulk solution to the mica surface with a diffusion coefficient on the order of 10(-10) m(2)/s at room temperature, depending on the asphaltene bulk concentration. This diffusion coefficient corresponds to a hydrodynamic molecular radius of approximately 0.5 nm, indicating that asphaltene diffuses to mica surfaces as individual molecules at very low concentration (e.g., 0.01 wt %). Atomic force microscopy images of the adsorbed asphaltenes on mica support the results of the SFA force measurements. The results from the SFA force measurements provide valuable insights into the molecular interactions (e.g., steric repulsion and bridging attraction as a function of distance) of asphaltenes in organic media and hence their roles in crude oil and bitumen production.

Asphaltene adsorption onto acidic/basic metal oxide nanoparticles toward in situ upgrading of reservoir oils by nanotechnology

The effects of surface acidity and basicity of metal oxide nanoparticles on the thermodynamics of asphaltene adsorption were studied. Three different categories of metal oxides/salts with acidic (WO3 and NiO), amphoteric (Fe2O3 and ZrO2), and basic (MgO and CaCO3) surfaces were synthesized, and their textural, structural, and acid-base properties were characterized. Asphaltenes were extracted from a dead oil sample and characterized by X-ray powder diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The acid and base numbers of the asphaltenes were measured. The nanoparticles were added to the asphaltene-toluene solutions, and the amount of adsorbed asphaltene was obtained through centrifugation followed by UV-vis spectroscopy of the supernatant liquid and temperature-programmed oxidation analysis of the precipitated solid. The concentrations of organic acid and base groups in the asphaltenes are 2.75 and 12.34 mg of KOH/g, respectively, indicating that the asphaltenes are more basic in nature. Isotherms of the asphaltene adsorption onto the six metal oxides/salts fit the Langmuir model closely. The asphaltene adsorption capacity of the nanoparticles is 1.23-3.67 mg/m(2) and decreases in the order of NiO > Fe2O3 > WO3 > MgO > CaCO3 > ZrO2, concomitant with the synergetic effects of acidity and the net charge of the surfaces. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy illustrates that the asphaltenes are spread out over the surfaces with no short-range/long-range order. The adsorption of the asphaltenes onto the six samples is exothermic and spontaneous with the Gibbs energy change of -27.80 to -28.79 kJ/mol at 25 °C. The absolute value of the enthalpy change of the adsorption is calculated to be within the range of 5-20 kJ/mol. Acid-base interaction and electrostatic attraction seem to be the dominant forces contributing to the adsorption of the asphaltenes onto the metal oxide/salt surfaces.

Self-assembly of resins and asphaltenes facilitates asphaltene dissolution by an organic acid

Asphaltene precipitation occurs in petroleum fluids under certain unfavorable conditions, but can be controlled by tuning composition. Aromatic solvents in large quantities can prevent precipitation entirely and can dissolve already precipitated asphaltenes. Some polymeric surfactants can dissolve asphaltenes when added at much lower concentrations than required by aromatic solvents. Other dispersants can truncate asphaltene precipitation at the sub-micron length scale, creating stable colloidal asphaltene dispersants. One particular asphaltene dispersant, dodecylbenzene sulfonic acid (DBSA), can do both, namely: (1) stabilize asphaltene colloids and (2) dissolve asphaltenes to the molecular scale. Acid-base interactions are responsible for the efficiency of DBSA in dissolving asphaltenes compared to aromatic solvents. However, many details remain to be quantified regarding the action of DBSA on asphaltenes, including the effect of petroleum fluid composition. For instance, resins, naturally amphiphilic components of petroleum fluids, can associate with asphaltenes, but it is unknown whether they cooperate or compete with DBSA. Similarly, the presence of metals is known to hinder asphaltene dissolution by DBSA, but its effect on colloidal asphaltene stabilization has yet to be considered. We introduce the concepts of cooperativity and competition between petroleum fluid components and DBSA in stabilizing and dissolving asphaltenes. Notably, we find that resins cooperatively interact with DBSA in dissolving asphaltenes. We use UV-vis spectroscopy to investigate the interactions responsible for the phase transitions between unstable suspensions, stable suspensions, and molecular solutions of asphaltenes.

Heavy crude oils/particle stabilized emulsions

Fluid characterization is a key technology for success in process design for crude oil mixtures in the future offshore. In the present article modern methods have been developed and optimized for crude oil applications. The focus is on destabilization processes in w/o emulsions, such as creaming/sedimentation and flocculation/coalescence. In our work, the separation technology was based on improvement of current devices to promote coalescence of the emulsified systems. Stabilizing properties based on particles was given special attention. A variety of particles like silica nanoparticles (AEROSIL®), asphalthenes, wax (paraffin) were used. The behavior of these particles and corresponding emulsion systems was determined by use of modern analytical equipment, such as SARA fractionation, NIR, electro-coalescers (determine critical electric field), Langmuir technique, pedant drop technique, TG-QCM, AFM.