Adsorption of Asphaltenes and Its Effect on Oil Production

Abstract

Summary Asphaltenes show moderate capacity to reduce oil/water interfacial tension (IFT) and/or to stabilize emulsions. However, in the presence of other surfactants and fine particles presenting intermediate wettability, these compounds enhance emulsion formation and stability. At the solid/solution interface, asphaltenes adsorb up to a saturation value of 2 to 3 mg/g and modify the mineral wettability. At the oil/gas interface, the asphaltic fractions adsorb as single molecules or as liquid crystalline phases, causing foaming problems.