Study of asphaltene precipitation and deposition phenomenon

Abstract

This paper presents an assessment of aspects that influences asphaltene precipitation and deposition. This research, attempts to understand the mechanism of asphaltene precipitation and deposition, parameters affecting the precipitation and deposition process, the effect of asphaltene precipitation and deposition on oil reservoir characteristics and performance. In addition, the research involves examining the existing thermodynamic models of asphaltene precipitation and deposition in porous media, reversibility of asphaltene precipitation and deposition, asphaltene deposition removal methods, and modeling and simulation of asphaltene by conventional simulators. Since this study is a comprehensive summary of the mentioned topics and contains all the essential information of asphaltene and its precipitation process, it therefore can be used as a reference for further exploration of this specialized field. The probability of asphaltene precipitation and deposition occurring during any EOR techniques and its effects on reservoir performance should be anticipated at earlier stages of any development project. Also it is believed that through a more comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms that lead to deposition in the first place; asphaltenes deposition if cannot be prevented fully may at least be controlled and managed.