An Investigation of Inhibitors Performance on Asphaltene Precipitation Due to Associated Gas Injection

Abstract

The nature and behavior of asphaltene in crude oils is complex and changes in temperature, pressure, and composition of crude oils during production can result in precipitation of asphaltene components. Potential solutions for these problems include physical removal of deposits, solvent washes, and treatment with dispersant agents. The authors summarize the results obtained on the inhibition effect of one commercial inhibitor namely IR95 and five non-commercial inhibitors namely benzoic acid, nonylphenol, phenanthrene, phthalic acid, and salicylic acid. The results revealed distinct mechanisms for asphaltene solubilization/dispersion and inhibition of asphaltene precipitation in crude oil and show that IR95 have the best efficiency on precipitation reduction this crude.

Keywords:

• asphaltene inhibitors
• asphaltene precipitation
• associated gas injection
• IR95 inhibitor
• static tests