Fractal nature of asphaltene aggregation

Abstract

Deposition of asphaltenes existing in crude oil can create severe problems. To prevent economic losses arising out of these, it is necessary to predict when deposition arises and the conditions that are amenable to prevent its occurrence. A comprehensive model of asphaltene aggregation and deposition was proposed by Park and Mansoori in 1988 ∗. In this model, the kinetic theory of fractal aggregation along with the principles of phase equilibria and the theories of polydisperse polymer and colloidal solutions are used to predict the growing-size distribution of asphaltene particles and the phenomenon of asphaltene deposition. Concepts used by the Fractal Aggregation model of Park and Mansoori are examined in this paper in the light of the Korcak law which describes the size distribution of an aggregating polydisperse system. Results of asphaltene aggregation predicted by this model is tested for universality. It is shown that the model satisfies the Korcak law and possesses the universality requirement in support of the fractal aggregation mechanism assumption for asphaltene aggregation.