Impact of Paraffin Composition on the Interactions between Waxes, Asphaltenes, and Paraffin Inhibitors in a Light Crude Oil

The effect of wax molecular weight distribution on the efficacy two alpha olefin-maleic anhydride paraffin inhibitors (PIs) having different densities alkyl side-chains were examined in light West Texas crude absence and presence asphaltenes. Interpretation data was aided by cross-polarization microscopy. Primary differences crystal morphology appear to be driven composition wax, with secondary being associated choice PI. In asphaltenes, PI performance (i.e., reducing oil viscosity appearance temperature) is greater for higher chain density, one lower density generally more effective regardless composition. These are diminished asphaltenes such that somewhat effective. Trends both suggest a steric lessened interaction PIs