Asphaltene precipitation under controlled mixing conditions in a microchamber

Solvent exchange is a controlled process for dilution-induced phase separation. This work utilizes the solvent method to reveal effect of mixing dynamics on asphaltene precipitation under 20 different conditions using model system n-heptane and in toluene. The external between solution paraffinic strictly controlled. We employed high-spatial-resolution total internal reflection fluorescence microscope detect precipitates with resolution up 200 nm. A multiphysics used simulate evolution oversaturation pulse process. Based simulation results, we predicted flow rate, dimension, orientation microfluidic chamber, temperature surface coverage size distribution precipitates. predictions all factors corroborate experimental observations. Local concentration shear forces are found be two main reasons change caused by dynamics. However, influence thermodynamics more critical than as changes. Through combination studies, this illuminates significance transportation final morphology provides an in-depth insight into mechanism precipitation. smart may boost new formation without excessive consumption.