An Investigation on Asphaltene Precipitation Potential for Light and Heavy Oils, During Natural Depletion

Abstract

Abstract

Asphaltene and wax deposition during production of many Iranian reservoirs has become a serious problem. In order to investigate the asphaltene precipitation behavior of various Iranian light and heavy oils and to predict their best method of prevention and/or curing the problem a comprehensive research study was launched. This article describes the precipitation potential of various reservoir oils, (8 samples, light and heavy) during their deposition. Three-phase equilibrium calculation of NGHIEM et al., is used. In the method pure asphaltene in the oil is considered as solid. The heavy part of the oil is split as precipitating and non- precipitating. The results of the study, which compares the onset and quantity of asphaltene precipitation of the oil samples revealed; a) the precipitation potential in the light oils depends strongly on the nature of asphaltene molecules in the oil which varies from one to another. b) Light oils behave in a more complicated fashion than heavy oils. c) The volatile oils were more unstable and the ratio of precipitation to the heavy fraction of the oil is highest. The paper describes the foregoing in detail.

1. Introduction and Literature Review

A great many of the hydrocarbon accumulations in the world, by themselves, are not economic to develop or produce. In many of the more prolific hydrocarbon basins, multiple reservoirs are encountered stacked one above the other. Conventional government regulations and good petroleum practice prescribe that the production of conventional oil or gas from distinct reservoirs or pools must remain segregated in the wellbore. As the Alberta Energy and Utilities Board explains, The nature of asphaltenes and their role in the production and processing of crude oils has been the topic of numerous studies. This is due to the fact that the economics of oil production can be seriously affected by the asphaltene deposition problem. From the other hand, it is estimated that there are above 60% of crude oils remaining underground after exploiting by the present technologies within the world's oilfields.