Abstract
This study presents a novel approach for bundle of tubes modeling of permeability impairment due to asphaltene-induced formation damage attenuated by ultrasound which has been rarely attended in the available literature. Model uses the changes of asphaltene particle size distribution (APSD) as a function of time due to ultrasound radiation, while considering surface deposition and pore throat plugging mechanisms. The proposed model predicts the experimental data of permeability reduction during coinjection of solvent and asphaltenic oil into core with reasonable agreement. Viscosity variation due to sonication of crude oil is used to determine the fluid mobility applied in the model. The results of modeling indicate that the fluid samples exposed to ultrasound may cause much less asphaltene-induced damage inside the porous medium. Sensitivity analysis of the model parameters showed that there is an optimum time period during which the best stimulation efficiency is observed. The results of this work can be helpful to better understand the role of ultrasound prohibition in dynamic behavior of asphaltene deposition in porous media. Furthermore, the present model could be potentially utilized for modeling of other time-dependent particle induced damages.
Highlights
Ultrasonic waves have a wide variety of applications in the oil field industries
Since flow is linear and we have considered no backflow, the mass balance equation can be solved for finding the outlet particle size distribution (PSD), section by section
This work presents a bundle of tubes model for permeability impairment due to asphaltene deposition attenuated by sonication
Summary
Ultrasonic waves have a wide variety of applications in the oil field industries. Special characteristics of these waves such as high frequency and performing cavitation have brought them forward as a unique gadget in many stimulation operations [1]. Ultrasound radiation can change the molecular weight of asphaltenes. Lin et al [2] applied ultrasonic waves to crack refinery oil residue which contains high amount of asphaltenic components in the presence of abundant hydrogen. Kang et al [4] published experimental results discussing the effects of ultrasound frequency on changing the average molecular weight of asphaltene content and showed that there is no direct relationship between frequency and capability of breaking down the asphaltene molecules
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