A New Method for Monitoring the Stability of Asphaltene-Containing Disperse Systems

The stability index of petroleum disperse systems can be calculated using continuous scanning of the optical profile of the asphaltene precipitation, taking into account the induction period of the asphaltene particle aggregation under the preset external conditions. Modification of the ASTM D7061 procedure allows taking into account the induction period of the asphaltene aggregation and different aggregation mechanisms (diffusion- and reaction-limited aggregation). This opens prospects for improving the procedures for express analysis of asphaltene-containing dispersions in the future. The control of the stability of asphaltene-containing systems is the base element for developing of a mathematical model of the kinetics of chemical processes occurring in a stratum, pipeline, or reactor.