A small angle x-ray scattering study of the effect of pressure on the aggregation of asphaltene fractions in petroleum fluids under near-critical solvent conditions

Abstract

Small angle X-ray scattering was used to determine the effect of pressure on the extent of asphaltene aggregation for a system under near-critical conditions. A mixture containing 60 vol% Crude Oil A in n-pentane was studied at 110[degree]C, at pressures ranging from 25 to 400 bar. As the pressure of the near-critical solution is isothermally decreased, these results indicate (1) an increase in the extent of asphaltene aggregation and/or; (2) increased attractive interactions among aggregates. Information derived from different regions of the X-ray scattering curve indicate increasing aggregation with decreasing pressure. From these experimental results, together with theoretical interpretation, we infer that as the pressure is reduced, increased aggregation of asphaltenes results which may contribute to formation damage in hydrocarbon reservoirs, and to fouling in hydrotreatment and cracking catalysts. 71 refs., 10 figs., 2 tabs.