Asphaltene Flocculation Inhibition with Ultrasonic Wave Radiation

Najafi et al., (2011) proposed the idea of asphaltene floculation inhibition in crude oil by sonication. The present investigation is a continuous effort to provide more information about the process of flocculation inhibition. Confocal microscopy, rheological and asphaltene content analyses were done in this study. By analysis of the results obtained , it can be concluded that ultrasonic wave radiation can be the most effective if the wave is radiated up to an optimum time. Around this time the oil has its local minimum value of kinematic viscosity, the least value of asphaltene content and least potential for formation of macro-structured flocs due to reduction in aromatic to saturate ratio. More detailed studies revealed that during radiation time two main mechanisms are active in asphaltenic crude oil which is asphaltene particles disintegration and formation of asphaltene particles. Based on asphaltene content analysis, the optimum radiation time can be defined as the time at which the two mechanisms are having equal rate. The optimum radiation times are observed in different tests and are in good accordance with each other. According to the results obtained, ultrasonic wave technology can be a potential method of flocculation inhibition and can have extensive industrial application.