Author(s)

A. Miadonye, J. Cyr, K. Secka & A. Britten

Abstract

The reduction of viscosity with inappropriate diluents could lead to asphaltene precipitation. To use condensates effectively however, their effects on asphaltene precipitation and deposition must be well examined. In this study, the influence of inter-particle interactions of asphaltene on the viscosity and heat of mixing in solutions of bitumen-condensate mixtures are compared to those of bitumen in aromatic solvents and in condensate-toluene mixtures. Three bitumen, two heavy oils, and five condensates from different reservoirs were examined. The results indicate that the presence of aromatic solvent in bitumen delays the on-set of asphaltene precipitation due to the presence of dipole-dipole interactions as well as hetero-molecular interactions. In pure condensates, strong hydrogen bonding and moderate homo-molecular interactions are predominant and, therefore, result in reduced asphaltene precipitation and low enthalpy of mixing. The on-set of asphaltene precipitation in bitumen and heavy oils is delayed in the presence of aromatic solvents, decreasing with reduction in the composition of aromatic solvent in the condensates. Keywords: thermo-physical property, bitumen, hydrocarbon condensates, solvents, asphaltene, calorimetry, viscosity, heavy oil.

Keywords

thermo-physical property, bitumen, hydrocarbon condensates,solvents, asphaltene, calorimetry, viscosity, heavy oil.