Thermodynamic model for the formation of solid paraffinic compounds in petroleum

Abstract

A new model for the formation of solid compounds in petroleum is proposed. The model is based on the assumption that the solid precipitates are composed of pure immiscible heavy hydrocarbons. The weight of solid waxes is calculated using the direct numerical minimization of the Gibbs free energy of a two-phase multicomponent liquid solution-solid precipitate system. The hydrocarbon is precipitated from the solution only when the thermodynamic condition accounting for the formation of the solid phase for this component is met. The simulated results are compared with the experimental data obtained for artificial solutions and natural oils. The approach proposed in the present paper generalizes the models existing in this area.