Flow assurance

Laboratory Testing and Prediction of Asphaltene Deposition in Production Wells

This paper presents a methodology that begins by determining the ADE in the laboratory. Moreover, asphaltene-deposition rates for the tubing conditions can be measured using high-pressure/high-temperature coaxial-cylinder technology.

jpt-2017-09-27884-hero.jpg

During primary oil production, when the thermodynamic conditions within the well tubing lie inside the asphaltene-deposition envelope (ADE) of the produced fluid, flocculated asphaltene particles could start being deposited on the tubing wall, causing a restriction in the tubing inner diameter that results in loss of production. This paper presents a methodology that begins by determining the ADE in the laboratory. Moreover, asphaltene-deposition rates for the tubing conditions can be measured using high-pressure/high-temperature coaxial-cylinder technology.

In-Situ Asphaltene Testing

At some thermodynamic states, asphaltenes exhibit a behavior called flocculation—that is, asphaltene particles or micelles aggregate or flocculate into larger particles or flocs. The locus of all thermodynamic points in a phase diagram at which flocculation occurs is called the ADE. Accurate measurement of asphaltene solubility at in-situ conditions inside the ADE is extremely difficult.

×
SPE_logo_CMYK_trans_sm.png
Continue Reading with SPE Membership
SPE Members: Please sign in at the top of the page for access to this member-exclusive content. If you are not a member and you find JPT content valuable, we encourage you to become a part of the SPE member community to gain full access.