Asphaltene destabilization in the presence of an aqueous phase: The effects of salinity, ion type, and contact time

One of the possible fluid-fluid interactions during water-flooding in oil reservoirs, that is still debated, effect injected brine salinity on asphaltene destabilization. If precipitation induced by changes reservoirs and surface facilities, this could have a massive impact economy low project. Therefore, study aims to investigate amount governing destabilization mechanisms. Direct measurements, along with analyses optical microscopy images ion chromatography (IC), indicate mechanism dependent salinity. At high salinity, ions play primary role as nuclei for aggregates might promote through asphaltene-ions bonding. While at polarity brine-oil interface causes asphaltenes be adsorbed toward interface, also disrupt stability bulk. Of all brines investigated, highest was observed case which crude contact formation water. Based IC results, sulfate magnesium are most active nucleus structure agglomerates. Results showed presence Naphthenic Acids (NAs) composition can affect precipitation.