| Asphaltene deposition problems and their associated economical consequences, could be present in a variety of situations where asphaltene containing oils are produced or processed; from the reservoir to the customer facilities, including refineries, pipe lines, and storage tanks. During the production and refining stages the oil is submitted to temperature and pressure variations and is blended with other hydrocarbons. Compositional changes resulting from blending and molecular modifications due to chemical reactions can both induce asphaltene instability.; The current research focuses on asphaltene deposition resulting from compositional changes when crude oils are mixed with other hydrocarbons, including bitumen, crude oil, distillates, solvents and thermally treated bitumen.; A new experimental asphaltene compatibility parameter (Potential Compatibility Index, PCI) is proposed to predict the onset of asphaltene precipitation of blends. A procedure for determining a favourable mixing sequence is provided. |
