Abstract
Waxes and asphaltenes, two typical heavy components of crude oil, can complicate hydrate problems associated with deep-sea multiphase transport. This study investigates the transformation of water droplets into hydrate particles in waxy and wax-asphaltene coexisting systems. The results indicate that dissolved wax molecules increase the porosity, degree of transformation, and surface roughness of hydrate particles. In addition, the size of hydrate particles increases over time. Besides, wax precipitation precedes hydrate formation as wax content increases. When the crystal network structure is formed, the viscosity of the continuous phase increases significantly, and the mass transfer process is severely impeded, thereby inhibiting the hydrate transformation process. Moreover, adding asphaltenes will influence adsorption at the oil–water interface and inhibit the effect of wax molecules on hydrate particles. The asphaltene concentration required to inhibit the effect of wax molecules is proportional to the wax concentration.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
