Chemical characterization of asphaltenes from the Middle East

Abstract

Asphaltene deposition and accumulation has been recognized as one of the most significant concerns in the oil and gas industry. It is considered as the cholesterol of petroleum. It leads to major problems upstream in the oil reservoirs and affects the steady operations downstream. The true identity of the chemical is unknown, yet it is solely defined as a chemical that deposits upon the addition of n-heptane or n-pentane and re-dissolves upon the addition of toluene. Probably, asphaltene is the most studied component of crude oil, yet it is the least understood one till nowadays. In the oil production of onshore/offshore oilfields, asphaltene deposition in the wellbore has a great influence as it affects safe operation. Moreover, it blocks the pipelines upon which production is stopped. In addition, it causes pipe flow area reduction, and efficiency of production equipment undermining. This research studies and characterizes asphaltenes of three samples of crude oil obtained from three different fields in the Middle East region as well as mechanically extracted asphaltenes from their three corresponding fields. It provides an insight for visualizing and understanding asphaltene behavior in a clearer way. Moreover, it could aid in controlling asphaltene deposition.

Date of Award	2014
Original language	American English
Supervisor	Saeed Al Hassan (Supervisor)