A live oil sample was subjected to a solid detection system (SDS) to measure asphaltene onset point (AOP) at 3850 psi, and asphaltene content of 1.3%. A high-resolution digital camera was used to measure asphaltene particle size distribution. The result showed that asphaltene particles were not uniform in size, but has a normal distribution of 100–120 μm. Asphaltene reversibility to dissolved back into the oil with increasing pressure was only 35% of the original deposition. Two core samples were examined for formation damage due to asphaltene deposition. A Low permeability core showed significant permeability reduction exceeding 50% of its baseline permeability, and the higher permeability core showed less permeability decline, even with the same asphaltene precipitation.

Keywords:
paraffin remediation, wax inhibition, asphaltene remediation, remediation of hydrates, hydrate remediation, hydrate inhibition, asphaltene inhibition, wax remediation, oilfield chemistry, scale inhibition
Subjects:
Production Chemistry, Metallurgy and Biology, Formation Evaluation & Management, Inhibition and remediation of hydrates, scale, paraffin / wax and asphaltene
Copyright 2012, Society of Petroleum Engineers
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