Asphaltene Stabilizer Screening via Reconstituted Oil Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for screening asphaltene stabilizers are inaccurate due to the use of precipitated asphaltenes from laboratory solvents or stock tank oils, which do not reflect the performance in actual crude oil environments, leading to erroneous results.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the formation of a reconstituted oil by dispersing an asphaltene-containing solid in a hydrocarbon fluid, obtained from a subterranean formation, and adding an asphaltene stabilizer candidate to analyze the stability of asphaltenes using an asphaltene precipitant, providing a more accurate screening of candidates for inhibiting precipitation and deposition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If precipitated asphaltene from laboratory solvents or stock tank oils is used for screening, then the screening process is simple and inexpensive, but the results are inaccurate and do not reflect performance in actual crude oil environments
Solution Approach 1:
The method performs preliminary action by pre-dispersing asphaltene-containing solids in hydrocarbon fluids to create reconstituted crude oil that simulates real reservoir conditions before conducting the actual screening. This preliminary preparation ensures that the screening environment accurately reflects field conditions, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and accuracy by embedding complexity in the sample preparation rather than the screening process itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a copy of real crude oil environment by dispersing precipitated asphaltene in hydrocarbon fluids to form reconstituted oil that mimics the properties and behavior of actual crude oil. This copying approach allows screening to be conducted in a simplified laboratory setting while maintaining the accuracy of real-world performance prediction, effectively resolving the contradiction between experimental simplicity and result accuracy.
2Reliability
If stock tank oil is used for screening instead of live oil, then the cost is reduced and availability is improved, but the screening results are erroneous and inconclusive
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces an intermediary substance - the dispersant - that mediates between the precipitated asphaltene and the hydrocarbon fluid to create a stable reconstituted crude oil. This intermediary enables the use of easily obtainable stock tank oil while achieving reliable screening results by ensuring proper dispersion and stabilization of asphaltene particles, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of preparation and result reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The method changes the physical parameters of the asphaltene by dispersing it in hydrocarbon fluid to create a stable suspension that mimics live oil conditions. This parameter change transforms the static precipitated asphaltene into a dynamic system that behaves like actual crude oil, enabling reliable screening using easily obtainable stock tank oil instead of expensive live oil.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If cleaning pigs are used to remove deposits, then mechanical control of asphaltene deposition is achieved, but costly well workovers and lost production occur
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies preliminary anti-action by screening and selecting effective asphaltene stabilizers and dispersants before deployment in the field. By identifying compounds that prevent asphaltene precipitation and deposition through accurate laboratory screening using reconstituted crude oil, the method enables preventive chemical control that avoids the need for mechanical intervention with cleaning pigs, thereby maintaining continuous production and avoiding costly workovers.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method allows for the identification of the most effective asphaltene stabilizer candidates by simulating real-world conditions, improving the accuracy of screening and preventing asphaltene precipitation and deposition in hydrocarbon fluids.
Implementation Method 1
forming a reconstituted oil by dispersing an asphaltene-containing solid in a hydrocarbon fluid
Implementation Method 2
adding an asphaltene precipitant to the additized oil, and titrating the asphaltene precipitant against the additized oil
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for screening a candidate for efficacy as an asphaltene stabilizer comprises: forming a reconstituted oil by dispersing an asphaltene-containing solid in a hydrocarbon fluid; adding an asphaltene stabilizer candidate to the reconstituted oil to give an additized oil; and analyzing the stability of the asphaltenes in the additized oil. The method may be used to select a candidate for use as an asphaltene stabilizer during crude oil production, transportation or processing.