ASPHALTENE CHARACTERIZATION OF A MALAYSIAN CRUDE OIL

Asphaltenes are the most polar fraction of petroleum that can precipitate due to
changes in pressure, temperature and composition which may be encountered during
petroleum production and transportation. The precipitated asphaltenes can
subsequently deposit on the surfaces of production/transportation pipelines and clog
the pipeline partially or completely. Why asphaltenes deposit on a metal surface
remains a poorly understood topic. This study is to determine the onset of asphaltene
precipitation with respect to varying pressures and temperatures. High-pressure NIR
was used to study the aggregation of asphaltenes by pressure depletion. What would
be established is data displaying optimum operating conditions in which asphaltene
deposition can be minimized or mitigated altogether. With this knowledge, operators
can then be wary of the limits in the operating conditions to prevent asphaltene
fouling in pipelines.