Predicting Asphaltene Deposition Rates in Oil Production Wellbores; A Computational Approach Utilizing the Quartz Crystal Nanobalance

Deposition of asphaltene along the oil wellbore is a primary cause of blockages in oil production wells. However, the impact of asphaltene/metal interactions on asphaltene deposition along the wellbore has not been previously studied. In this research, an innovative experimental method known as Quartz Crystal Nanobalance (QCN) is employed to explore the effects of asphaltene/metal interaction on the rate of asphaltene deposition under various conditions. An Iranian oil wellbore has been nominated for investigation. Sticking factor and particle diameter are utilized in Scobedo’s model to analyze asphaltene deposition rate across different flow rates, well diameters, and surface roughness. The findings indicate an increase in both the sticking factor and diameter of asphaltene particles by promoting asphaltene precipitation. All examined cases were governed by diffusion rather than momentum. Consequently, the asphaltene diameter negatively impacts the deposition rate, while the sticking factor consistently promotes it. Greater flow rates and smaller wellbore diameters promote the asphaltene deposition rate. Rougher surfaces tend to adsorb asphaltene more rapidly.

کلیدواژه ها:

Asphaltene deposition modeling ، Quartz Crystal Nanobalance (QCN) ، Asphaltene adsorption experiment ، Asphaltene/metal interaction ، Oil production wellbores