Primary submicron particles from early stage asphaltene precipitation revealed in situ by total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy in a model oil system

Paraffinic froth treatment (PFT) is an essential step in oilsands extraction. The ability to quantitatively understand and control asphaltene precipitation induced by solvent dilution key technology innovation PFT process. In this work, we investigate the early stage of a model oil system response diffusive addition quasi-2D confinement. Using total internal reflection fluorescence microscope, provide direct visualization size distribution structural characteristics precipitates with spatial resolution ~200 nm temporal 250 ms. Our results show correlation between number particles concentration paraffinic diluent. Notably aggregates were found consist primary submicron similar from 200 400 radius. These may be elementary units that aggregate form bigger via aggregation. growth time decreases increase n-pentane observation area. findings work new insight into effects mixing on morphological are important for association water solids separation properties.