Asphaltene – The Bad Cholesterol:

Can We Ignore It ?

Prof. Hemanta K. Sarma

Australian School of Petroleum
The University of Adelaide
Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
hemanta.sarma@adelaide.edu.au

EOR-21 by Sarma 1

Asphaltene: What is it?

Asphaltene and asphalt used in roads are
not the same.

Asphalt refers to the residual, non-distillable

crude oil fraction that contains asphaltenes,
resins, very heavy aromatic and paraffinic
components.

Boussingault, a French scientist coined the

term in 1837 to describe certain constituents
in distillation of asphalts found in eastern
France and Peru. A clear definition for
asphaltene still eludes us after 166 years!

Asphaltene refers to highly compact

polyaromatic structures that contain
heteroatoms (S, O, N) and metals (Va, Ni,…),
and it exists in stabilized state due peptizing
agents, such as resins.
2

EOR-21 by Sarma 1
 Why We Cannot Ignore Asphaltenes
 Asphaltene precipitation and deposition is a
major concern in most gas injection processes
involving HC solvents or CO2.
 More severe in lighter oils than heavier oils. It is
the lighter oils that are often target for gas
injection processes
 Presence of small quantity of asphaltene = major
operational problem in light oil reservoirs.
 Two major issues:
 plugging of surface & subsurface equipment
 flow restriction (due to k-reduction, formation damage,
wettability alteration) within the reservoir.
3

EOR-21 by Sarma 2
 5

EOR-21 by Sarma 3
 The Problem is Global!

Asphaltene Content Can be Deceptive!

Crude API Gravity Resin (wt%) Asphaltene (wt%) A:R
Canada, Athabasca 8.3 14 15 1.07
Venezuela, Boscan 10.2 29.4 17.2 0.58
Canada, Cold Lake 10.2 25 13 0.52
Mexico, Panucon 11.7 26 12.5 0.48
USA, MS, Baxterville 16 8.9 17.2 1.93
Russia, Kaluga 16.7 20 0.5 0.025
USA, TX, Hould 19.7 12 0.5 0.04
Brazil, Campos, Atabasca 19.7 21.55 2.8 0.13
USA, CA, Huntington Beach 26.2 19 4 0.21
Canada, Alberta 29 8.5 5.3 0.62
USA, LA, Brookhaven 30.6 4.6 1.65 0.36
Russia, Balachany 31.7 6 0.5 0.08
Russia, Bibieibat 32.1 9 0.3 0.03
USA, TX, Mexia 36 5 1.3 0.26
Iran, Kirkuk 36.1 15.5 1.3 0.08
Mexico, Tecoaminacan 36.7 8.8 1.5 0.17
Mexico, Isthmus 37.8 8.1 1.3 0.16
USA, OK, Ok. City 38 5 0.1 0.02
USA, OK, Tonkawa 40.8 2.5 0.2 0.08
France, Lagrave 43 7.5 4 0.53
8
Algeria, Hassi Messaoud 45 3.3 0.15 0.05

EOR-21 by Sarma 4
 Precipitation & Role Of Resins
 In crude oil,asphaltenes remain suspended in
solution.

 As various low boiling point components are

removed, asphaltenes aggregate to form larger
particles.
Oils  Resins  Asphaltenes

 Trend in the polarity of various oil fractions:

Saturates  Aromatics  Resins 
Asphaltenes (highest)
“Asphaltene-stable” oils resin:asphaltene of 1:1
and 20:1.
 Crude oils with asphaltene problems usually
have a resin:asphaltene ratio < 1:1.

de Boer plot for screening reservoirs with possible asphaltene precipitation problems (de
Boer et al.,1995).

70 Minor Problems
Severe Problems AB
Initial Reservoir Pressure minus

North Sea Oils:

60
Saturation Pressure (MPa)

A, D1, D2, D3, D4

BG
BO = Boscan
50
M2
Mild Problems:
M1
40 North Sea Oils:
D1 D2 A
D3 D4 F
P
30 4° F L = Little Creek
H.M.
3°

20 2° Severe Problems
L
Kuwait Oils:
BO
1° AB, BG, M1, M2
10
½°
H.M. = Hassi Messaud
¼° No Problems
P = Pirinos
0
500 600 700 800 900 1000
In-situ crude density (kg/m3)

10

EOR-21 by Sarma 5
 Occurrence of Asphaltene Deposition In Reservoirs

 when the difference between the reservoir and

bubble point pressure is high and pressure drops.
 due to changing conditions of temp. and pressure.
 due to electrokinetic effects caused by fluid flow.
 due to composition changes in fluid during
production.
 when fluids mixed are of different densities.
 during acidizing
 in gas floods (HC and CO2)

11

Lab methods to determine onset

 Capillary Flow Measurements developed by IFP

 Gravimetric techniques
 Acoustic Resonance Technique (ART)
 Light-Scattering Technique using near infrared (NIR)
 Filtration
 Refractive Index (RI) Method (New Mexico Tech)

12

EOR-21 by Sarma 6
 13

Importance of Bottom Hole Sampling

Principles
 Point A = reservoir conditions of P and T
In conventional sampling with a fixed-
volume cylinder, as T drops, P will drops
along the path AB. That is, AB first
reaches the upper asphaltene onset
conditions ( dashed curve) and then enters
the biphasic point B. Thus, if asphaltenes
were present, the sample at B may be
triphasic – solid (asphaltene), liquid and
vapor.
In single-phase sampling, the pressure drop
is reduced by the use of pre-set nitrogen
charge at a higher pressure (corresponds
to C). Even though the pressure will drop
during retrieval due to cooling off, it can still
be designed to retain the pressure above
the onset conditions, noted as point D.
Thus, even though the sample will be at a
lower temperature in the laboratory, it will
still be at a pressure high enough to keep
asphaltene in the reservoir oil.

14

EOR-21 by Sarma 7
 Steps in Simulation Approach (CMG)
1) Conduct initial fluid characterization using EoS, correlations and lab results.

2) Check for data consistency.

3) Develop initial working model by lumping similar components. Select the smallest but
adequate number of components to fully describe the fluid and tune EoS. Check the
adequacy by generating and comparing phase envelopes for both lumped and non-lumped
components.

4) Specify asphaltene component as solid. Partition heaviest fractions into precipitating and
non-precipitating components. Split components may have similar properties and acentric
factors but different binary interaction and volume shift parameters.

5) Regress to match PVT data, adjusting Tc, Pc, acentric factor, volume shifts of C7+ pseudo
components and binary interaction parameters. PVT data include: Pb vs. temperature,
constant composition expansion data, differential liberation data (oil & gas densities, GOR,
oil & gas FVF, etc.) separator test data (separator GOR, oil FVF, stock-tank oil gravity, etc.)

6) Validate asphaltene component parameters for isothermal predictions. Parameters are

varied until model matches experimental data well.

7) Determine solid-model parameters for non-isothermal predictions.

8) Predict ADE by performing flashes at varying pressures, (at small - 1 psi or less -
increments) for a number of temperatures.
For high T reservoirs, assumption of asphaltene as solid component may not hold good!

15
%vol of asphaltenes in liquid

Solubility effect
due to changes
in composition Solubility effect
due to changes
Bubble point in pressure
pressure

Pressure

At pressures above the bubble point, the asphaltene

solubility increases with an increase in pressure. This is
illustrated by de Boer et al, 1995 above. This indicates a
minimum in asphaltene solubility at the bubble point.

16

EOR-21 by Sarma 8
 Asphaltene Deposition Envelope (ADE) is a tool for a production strategy along safe
thermodynamic path avoiding flocculation. Severity of precipitation increases when the
thermodynamic state of the fluid moves from the boundary to the centre of ADE. Hence,
reservoir conditions be maintained either outside ADE or as far away from its centre.

Above Pb, asphaltene solubility is solely affected by pressure. Below Pb, both pressure
and composition impact the precipitation. With lighter fractions coming out, solubility of
asphaltene in the liquid phase increases.

No critical point in ADE, nor is there a DPP line. Asphaltenes do not vaporize but
disintegrate at higher temps. Deposition can be both reversible and irreversible due to
the reversal in the thermodynamic path. For irreversible cases, lower ADE boundary
cannot be obtained due to permanent compositional change. 17

Field Issues and Few Examples

 Problems of asphaltene precipitation and
deposition encountered in primary and
subsequent improved recovery applications.

 More severe in gas injection processes: HC and

CO2.

 In many cases, amount of asphaltene in the

reservoir oil bears no correlation with asphaltene
precipitation. Boscan crude oil >17-wt%
asphaltene has no serious asphaltene problem;
whereas, Hassi Messaoud crude oil with only
0.15-wt% asphaltene has severe asphaltene
precipitation problems.
18

EOR-21 by Sarma 9
 How to Address Asphaltene Problems in Field?

1. Identify the cause

2. Locate the “problem-site

3. Try to apprehend/predict when the problem

would or could manifest

4. Judge the relative severity and impact

5. Devise strategies to combat

19

How to Address Asphaltene Problems in Field?

Identify the cause:
- Know why asphaltene occurs, key parameters so remedial and
steps may be adopted for mitigation or elimination.
- Factors which may cause asphaltene precipitation are:
- pressure drop,
- temperature changes,
- gas injection,
- change in oil composition,
- pH shift to acidic gas presence,
- acid stimulation, mixing different crude oil streams,
- downhole shear and turbulence due to flow
- streaming potential
- Be aware that following factors may lead to severe problem in lighter oils:
• higher C1-C3
• lower C7+ components
• high Pb,
• a large differential between Pr and Pb
• high compressibilities.

20

EOR-21 by Sarma 10
 How to Address Asphaltene Problems in Field?

Locate “problem-sites”
1. Where does it occur?
Deep in reservoir?
2. In wellbore vicinity of
pay-face?
3. In flow through tubular
from surface and
surface lines?

21

How to Address Asphaltene Problems in Field?

Try to apprehend/predict when the problem

would or could manifest

 Will it occur now or later?

 If later, when?
 Also, use the experience of others from
similar reservoirs and reported studies in
the literature as a guide.

22

EOR-21 by Sarma 11
 How to Address Asphaltene Problems in Field?

Judge the relative severity and impact

 Impact on oil production?

 Is sub-surface precipitation near the entry of oil from the

reservoir to the well is more serious a problem, or is it in
the tubular or in the surface lines?

23

How to Address Asphaltene Problems in Field?

Devise strategies to combat

 frequent workovers
 use of coated or special tubing
 regular well scrapings
 use of chemical inhibitors
 prudent monitoring and adjustment of
well production parameters such
pressure and rate
 thermal monitoring ...

24

EOR-21 by Sarma 12
 Evaluate and Predict Asphaltene Risks Shell proposed a reliable &
comprehensive process to
evaluate and predict asphaltene
precipitation and deposition
risks.
 Uses both tank and downhole
samples in screening process.

 SARA analysis used to obtain

cross-plot of saturate:aromatic
and asphaltene:resin ratios.

 Saturate:aromatic ratio is indirect

measure of solvent power for
asphaltenes. Higher the
aromatics->Better solvency of
asphaltene., i.e., stable
asphaltene.Aliphatic compounds
(Aromatics) reduce as the
solvency for asphaltene.

 Asphaltene:resin measures
colloidal nature of asphaltene in
oil. Resins are surfactants
stabilizing asphaltene. Low
asphaltene-to-resin ratio ensures
a better colloidal stabilization.

25

Evaluate and Predict Asphaltene Risks

 Figure 2 shows
cross-plot of these 2
ratios for 230
reservoir fluids with
asphaltenes from
around the world.

 In general, between
the two ratios, the
asphaltene:resin
ratio has a greater
impact on the
asphaltene stability

26

EOR-21 by Sarma 13
 Asphaltene problems are global!
Treatment of Asphaltene in Major Oil Producing Regions

Regions Nature of Problems Treatment Strategies

North Sea, Norwegian Sector - Downhole deposition - Solvents, dispersant, chemical inhibitors
- Formation of stable emulsions - Heat and mechanical means, retention
- Asphaltene oil/water separation time
- Deposits in separators

Russia (Siberia) & Other CIS
Mediterranean (Adriatic sea,
FPSP, Sub-sea tie back)
Brazil (Campos basin, Eastern
Brazil)
Venezuela (eastern and
southern, Lake
Maracaibo)
Indonesia (Sumatra, Borneo)
North America (Alberta,
California and North
Dakota)
Alaska (North Slope & Kenai,
Prudhoe Bay)
West Texas (CO2 Floods)
Gulf of Mexico
- Deposition in downhole, flowline and pipeline
- Formation of stable emulsions
- Asphaltene oil/water separation
Downhole deposition
Asphaltene/Paraffin deposition mix
- Deposition in Downhole and pipelines
- Incompatible crude oil mix
- Asphaltene stabilized emulsions
- Downhole deposition
- Asphaltene oil/water separation
- Downhole and pipeline deposition
- Stabilized emulsions
- Downhole deposition
- Formation damage
Severe deposition
- Deposition downhole and production lines
- Incompatible crude oils mixing
- Solvent wash, chemical treatment
- Emulsion breakers, heating, retention
time
Inhibitors
- Mechanical, Solvents
- Mix inhibitor treatment
- Chemical (inhibitors, dispersants)
- Solvents
- Mechanical
- Heat, increased retention
- Chemical
- Chemical (inhibitor, solvent)
- Mechanical, heat, increased retention
Inhibitors, solvent soaks
- Monitoring & surveillance
- Chemical (solvent, surfactant,
inhibitors)
- Maintain pressure
- Chemical (inhibitor, solvent, surfactant)

27

Gas Injection and Asphaltene Stability

 Asphaltene deposition problem appears when CO2 flood is

implemented, even in reservoirs with no prior problems.
 Injection of CO2 starts destabilization process for
asphaltene by causing pH shift. A downward shift in pH
alters the equilibrium condition under which the reservoir oil
existed.
Consequently, natural acids, surfactants and other
reactants in oil are liberated and oil composition changes.
 Flooding with rich HC gas causes destabilization of
asphaltene by lowering of C/H ratio.
 Negative effect of rich gas is maximum near Pb and may
decline after Pb is reached. This behavior is more
pronounced near the bubble point pressure with the rich
gas than with CO2.

28

EOR-21 by Sarma 14
 HC Miscible Flood in Rainbow Keg River
 No previous asphaltene
problems
 Severe problem soon after
HC miscible flood
 Needed costly well-
completions, frequent
shutdowns for workover,
chemical treatments with
xylene and pigging of
surface lines.
 97% precipitates were
asphaltenes.
 Theoretical model to predict
precipitation and to
optimize operating
conditions either to avoid or
minimize asphaltene
problems.
 Figure 16 is a typical
prediction for 24-mole%
solvent injection.

29

Hassi Messaoud Field, Algeria  Haskett in 1965 reported production problems by

asphaltene and offered practical solution.

 Observed asphaltene deposition at and above

Formation Cambrian Sandstone
Pb (ranged 2130 -2880 psi) along E-W in the
Depth 11,000 ft field.
Pay thickness 100-300 ft
Area 600 sq. miles  Below Pb, deposition ceased to occur, and two-
Pi 6,825 psi phase fluids peptized pre-existing asphaltene
GOR (flash) 1,390–1,030 SCF/bbl deposits.
API Gravity 42.3oAPI
 Quick initial deposition but slowed with time.
Asphaltene 500 mg/liter STO
83.4-wt% deposit were asphaltene, 13.3-wt%
resins and 3.3-wt% carbenes, and wells often
lost 15-20% of well-head pressure in first 15-20
days.

 Frequent and expensive tubing washing and

scraping to maintain the production.

 Practical solution: Analyze the way deposition

occur s with respect to depth, pressure and
temperature to identify conditions which
influence the type and rate of deposition.

30

EOR-21 by Sarma 15
 Hassi Messaoud Field, Algeria
Fig. 3
 deposit less severe with increasing depth

 most favorable condition for deposition

was just before reservoir reached Pb. This
corresponded to the lowest pressure,
lowest temperature and the longest flowing
time.

 As the deposit thickened, friction loss

through constricted paths increased,
lowering P to make oil biphasic. This
caused the upper portion of deposit to
disappear and created a center of the
deposit (cf. Fig. 3b).

 Eventual shape as in Fig. 3d or 3e.

 More choking effect as the center of

deposit thickened and shortened. The
pressure below the choke rose,
accompanied by a probable rise in the
temperature due to the thermal isolation of
the asphaltene deposition.

31

Fig. 4: WHP vs. time

Hassi Messaoud Field, Algeria
 Linear trend of lines indicated decreased
deposition with time.

 These offered clues that downhole

choke in the tubing could be used to
combat the asphaltene problem because
pressure and temperature below the
choke would be almost equal to those in
the formation.

 The choke could then be utilized to flash

oil from single-phase to a two-phase
condition.

 Best strategy would be to place the choke

as deep as possible and in high-producing
wells.

 Concluded that the problem was largely

controlled when wells were produced at
low WHP.
32

EOR-21 by Sarma 16
 Villafortuna-Trecate Field, Italy

•Operated by Agip

•High-T (163o-175oC) & high-P (15,500 psi). Depth: 18,000-21,300ft.

Light oil (42o-45oAPI) with 1-wt% asphaltenes

•Asphaltene precipitation a major problem in production facilities, pipelines

and gathering systems.

•Among remediation measures one that works best is when the flow-line
velocity is increased to >212,000 ft3/day. Mechanical impact of high flow
rate removes most asphaltene deposits.

•Caveat! Increasing flow-line velocity may also create local pressure

disturbances that can destabilize asphaltenes from reservoir oil. So this is
not a generic solution!
33

Midale Tertiary CO2 Flood in a naturally fractured reservoir

 No prior history of asphaltene/wax deposition in primary phase and waterflood

 Successful in terms of a low CO2 utilization factor 3MSCF/STB

 Asphaltene and wax deposition in the wellbore became a serious operational

problem.

 Deposition eased with time, nevertheless, it remained an operational irritant

requiring washing with solvents. Deposition appeared to be exacerbated by
large casings (7 5/8”) used to accommodate two tubing strings – one for
production and the other for monitoring purposes.

 As per lab , asphaltenes precipitated on contact with diffusing CO2.

 No severe deposition in typical with smaller (<4.5”) casings. Hence, the

speculation is that it is due to “low” (100 STB/d) oil rate, CO2 percolated
through oil in the bottom 300 ft of the oversized casing, carrying lighter end to
the surface and causing downhole asphaltene/wax deposition.

 Sensitive down hole pressure gauges showed no indication (i.e., pressure-

gradient changes between injectors and producers) of any deposition in the
reservoir itself.
34

EOR-21 by Sarma 17
 Asphaltene Problems with CO2

60oC
17.2 MPa

CO2-Oil co-injection at varying ratios >>

35

Asphaltene Problems with CO2

60oC
17.2 MPa

CO2-Oil co-injection at varying ratios >>

36

EOR-21 by Sarma 18
 Asphaltene Problems with CO2

60oC
17.2 MPa

CO2-Oil co-injection at varying ratios >>

37

Test conditions
Pressure 12 MPa
Temp. 72 C

NGL

Mole %
C1 0.19
C2 3.87
C3 38.57
iC4 13.4
nC4 28.5
iC5 8.1
nC5 7.3

38

EOR-21 by Sarma 19
 Test conditions
Pressure 12 MPa
Temp. 72 C

NGL Enriched by C3

Mole %
C1 0.29
C2 3.35
C3 45.3
iC4 11.4
nC4 24.1
iC5 7.85
nC5 7.57

39

Test conditions
Pressure 12 MPa
Temp. 72 C

NGL enriched by C3

Mole %
C1 0.01
C2 1.95
C3 89
iC4 2.21
nC4 2.33
iC5 1.77
nC5 2.14

40

EOR-21 by Sarma 20
 Carbonate Reservoirs in U.A.E.
 Impact of directional gas movement observed when reservoir under gas
injection. Flank wells penetrate deeper zones appeared to have higher
asphaltene content.

 Mohammed et al. (1998): Two 40oAPI carbonate reservoirs (Reservoirs

A & B) under HC gas injection with different asphaltene contents: 0.75-
wt% (Reservoir A) and 0.32-wt%. (Reservoir B).

 Asphaltene depositions in Reservoir A due to pressure depletion at

pressures slightly above Pb and injection of HC gas

 In Reservoir B, pressure depletion did not cause asphaltene deposition.

Rather, the injection of HC gas alone caused it.

 Temperature changes may have also contributed to asphaltene

deposition in both reservoirs.

41

Role of Asphaltenes in
Produced Emulsions in Saudi
Arabia  Asphaltenes contributed to produced
emulsion problems in Saudi Arabia
Berri oilfield.
 28o to 40oAPI oil and water-cut
varies from 0% to over 70%
 Emulsions by asphaltenes in the
presence of water are particularly
tight and harder to break.
 Formation damage caused by such
emulsions resulted in blocked pore
throats leading to productivity
decline.
 Higher the amounts of asphaltene
content in the crude oil, the tighter
(i.e., harder to break) the emulsion

42

EOR-21 by Sarma 21
 Role of Asphaltenes in Produced Emulsions in Saudi Arabia
 Emulsion stability index (ESI) based on experimental data:
ESI=Σ(water separation at given demulsifier conc. or time %)
Σ(number of experiments)
 High ESI represents weak emulsion that is easier to break into water and oil.
 Low ESI represents hard-to-break tighter emulsion.

43

Deposition of Asphaltene in Injection Gas

Oseberg field (Norsk Hydro): Problem of deposition of

heavy components suspended in injection gas. Oil
contains 1-wt% asphaltene.

 Asphaltenes resins and other heavy components are

carried by the liquid entrained in gas through process
facilities.

 Entrained organic materials deposited near wellbore

region eventually enter formation through perforations.

44

EOR-21 by Sarma 22
 Deposition of Asphaltene in Injection Gas: Oseberg Field

45

PDVSA Methodology
 Method estimates zone of maximum probability of asphaltene
occurrence.

 Applied with success in Northern Monagas field where asphaltene

problems cost PDVSA US$1 million per year. Also applied in Santa
Barbara field.

 In Northern Monagas, the precipitation is affected more by pressure

and oil composition. Temperature does not have a significant effect.

 Primary goals in this methodology are two-fold:

- Determine optimum operational conditions that maximise
production at minimum risk of asphaltene precipitation.
- Select better preventive measures to maintain overall control of
asphaltene plugging problems.

46

EOR-21 by Sarma 23
 PDVSA Methodology
Four Steps in Methodology

- Detailed Characterization of Reservoir Fluids

- Pressure and Temperature Effects

- Pressure vs. Depth Profiling

- Onset of Flocculation & Zone of Max. Probability of

Asphaltene Precipitation

47

PDVSA Methodology

Detailed Characterization of Reservoir Fluids

Oil composition is obtained and a SARA analysis is done. Effects of various
fractions on stability of asphaltene in crude are determined. This step engages
intensive laboratory studies.

48

EOR-21 by Sarma 24
 PDVSA Methodology

Pressure and Temperature

Effects

This step involves

laboratory tests. Trends for
Santa Barbara field are
shown in Figures 1 and 2
for pressure and
temperature. Notice that
temperature does not have
any significant impact on
asphaltene precipitation.

49

PDVSA Methodology Pressure versus Depth Profiling (Fig. 5).

 Determine the depth at which Pb is
reached and the depth of max. probability
of asphaltene precipitation
 Pressure versus depth profiling is done by
commercially available nodal analysis
software that permits simulation of pressure
profiles for different choke sizes.

Onset of Flocculation and Zone of

Maximum Probability of Asphaltene
Precipitation (Fig. 6).
 An analysis is carried out taking into
consideration lab data on Pb, measured
onset pressure, depth at which Pb is
attained and type of the choke to achieve
that depth for a particular pressure.
 These and plugging data obtained from
field operations are then coupled to
determine the zone of maximum probability
of asphaltene precipitation.

50

EOR-21 by Sarma 25
 Combating Asphaltenes
Treatments and Remedial Measures:
 Mechanical
- Rod and wire line scrappers.
- Pigging.
- Hydroblasting.
 Chemical
- Aromatic solvents.
- Dispersants, surfactant.
- Blends of dispersants and aromatic solvents.
- Deasphalted oils.
- Detergents.
- Polymeric dispersants.
 Thermal
- Heat conversion through insulation.
- Heat introduction (hot oiling, downhole heaters).
51

BP Approach Combating Asphaltenes

52

EOR-21 by Sarma 26
 Summary

Asphaltene content in the oil could be deceptive as certain oils with high
asphaltene content pose no problem whereas lighter oils with even a minute content
could cause severe problems. In general, field data suggest that light oils with small
asphaltene content are more prone to asphaltene problems than heavy oils.

Asphaltenes could cause serious and severe operational problems in primary depletion as well as in
EOR processes.

In particular, it is a big concern during gas injection into light oil reservoirs. During gas injection,
changes occur in composition of the reservoir fluids resulting changes in densities,
pH balances and pressures, and all such changes affect asphaltene stability in the
reservoir oil. Therefore, prior investigative laboratory and simulation studies are a
must before any gas injection process is applied in a reservoir that contains even a
minute asphaltene content.

53

Summary … continued

Key factors contributing to asphaltene destabilization: asphaltene properties, reservoir and

production conditions of pressure, temperatures and depth, changes in oil composition and
SARA fraction distribution.

Asphaltene deposition (or destabilization from its colloidal suspension in the

reservoir oil) not only causes problems in tubular and surface facilities, it may also
cause wettability alteration, emulsification and formation damage in the reservoir.
These possibilities should also be investigated a priori.

Remedial measures stretch from reservoir, downhole to the surface processing

facilities.

54

EOR-21 by Sarma 27
 Answer to Our Leading Question:

“Asphaltene – The Bad Cholesterol:

Can We Ignore It ?” NO!

55

EOR-21 by Sarma 28