Asphaltene molecules are found in most oil and gas streams and can be extracted using different production methods. Once the procedures are complete, oil is separated from other substances. The reactions can result in blocked pipes, lower production flow, difficulty in vessel level control, and less system efficiency.
There is a wide selection of asphaltene inhibitors and chemicals to treat problems that could be caused by any inconstancy in the treatment of the asphaltene. The solutions provide a safe chemical application process that will reduce the risks associated with the production of dangerous asphaltenic fluid. The special chemicals will ensure smooth operation that will deliver the desired results without any hitches.
Asphaltene precipitation can be found in crude oil as nitrogen with high molecular concentration, sulfur, and oxygen mixed with metal traces. If not produced and extracted properly, asphaltene can result in less production of crude oil, and more production cost, which has a direct negative effect on the profits. Therefore, inhibition of asphaltene precipitation is important for all operators so that they can realize the maximum benefits of the process.
Just like in paraffin deposits, asphaltene precipitation is similar in that crude oil changes as a result of insufficient gasses due to temperature and pressure change. The changes in the cause of oil create a good atmosphere of presentation of the asphaltene. The reaction might also be good for crystal formation in paraffin as well.
Asphaltene in soluble form can be used to react with similar solvents where other solutions can not be used. Additives are used to reduce the level of carbonaceous deposits of asphaltenes in the production of petroleum from both the natural oils and gas pools. Additives can be used in large amounts to prevent asphaltene accumulation and adhesion.
An asphaltene inhibitor can interfere with the formation of carbonaceous deposits using a number of procedures including one that involves the scattering of light to know how the pattern size is distributed. The tested inhibitor reduces the deposition of asphaltenes in all the areas where it can cause adhesion that might displace asphaltenes in thin films.
However, the level of asphaltene inhibition is the one that determines the inhibitor performance. When the inhibitor is operated at high heptane volume, the deposition rate is higher especially when in high concentration. The high heptane volume facilitates the quicker interchange of the aggregates. The interchange is important because it reduces the large formation of aggregates in the large amounts of liquid. However, the result of the inhibitor addiction depends on the climate and environmental conditions. Also, the level of destabilization and asphaltenes play a role in this. In the case where the inhibitor addiction takes the place of depositing species from large flocculent aggregates, there could be an increase in deposits rates.
Some of the benefits of the entire process include the maximum performance of surface treating procedures, reduction of waiting time, maximum production results, conservation of asset quality, and dependability of subsea wells and flowlines, lower precipitation of asphaltenes from crude oil amongst others.