Asphaltene Adsorption Onto Formation Rock: An Approach to Asphaltene Formation Damage Prevention

Abstract

Summary In this paper, through a comparative study on static vs. dynamic adsorption of asphaltene onto formation rock, we report how, for the particular asphaltene/formation rock system considered, the dynamic asphaltene adsorption onto formation rock is a continuous phenomenon by which the quantity of adsorbed asphaltene increases continuously. In our opinion, this rather remarkable adsorption behavior may contribute to asphaltene formation damage. In the hypothesis that "prevention" may represent a more economical approach than "removal," we also report a possible "prevention approach" based on formation rock treatment by means of specific chemicals more apt than asphaltenes to be adsorbed onto rock. As a preliminary demonstration, with the aim of assessing qualitatively the potential of our approach, we have pretreated the rock with commercially available asphaltene dispersant and flocculation inhibitors. Although the chosen additives are not commercialized on the basis of their specific adsorption feature, a modest prevention effect has been found. Experimental set-ups and procedures used as a base for a test to rank chemicals with respect to their "asphaltene adsorption" inhibitive effects are also reported.