Comparison of Ultrasonic Wave Radiation Effects on Asphaltene Aggregation in Toluene–Pentane Mixture Between Heavy and Extra Heavy Crude Oils

Abstract

In this study, it is aimed to compare the efficiency of ultrasonic wave technology on asphaltene flocculation inhibition of crude oils with different American Petroleum Institute (API) gravities. A set of confocal microscopy test is performed and a series of statistical analysis is done. According to the results of this study, there is an optimum radiation time for both crudes at which the viscosity and the flocculation rate of asphaltenic crude oils reduces to its minimum. This optimum appears at later times of radiation for extra heavy oil. Also, it is shown that the rate of changes in the properties measured in this study is sharper for extra heavy crude oil. It could be concluded that the alternations caused by this technology is more significant for Kouh-e-Mond, which is heavier oil than Sarvak crude oil. Derjaguin–Ladau–Verwey–Overbeek (DLVO) kinetic model was also studied and it was understood that this model cannot be a validate model for radiated samples.