Analysis of Asphaltene Precipitation Models from Solubility and Thermodynamic-Colloidal Theories

Asphaltenes are known to cause problems related to flocculation, precipitation, and plugging, either in the formation, production lines, and processing equipment. Different models have been proposed to predict the thermodynamic conditions under which asphaltenes precipitate over the past years. This work analyses the performance of various models on their capability to match the literature experimental data of precipitated asphaltene mass fractions. Twenty-five different models based on equation-of-state (EoS), polymer solution, and thermodynamic-colloidal theories were identified. The performance/test datasets were collected and classified according to their pressure/temperature conditions, CO2, n-C-5/n-C-7 gas, and liquid titrations. Statistical analysis, including residuals, parity plots, and average absolute relative deviation (AARD, %), were used to compare the adequacy of selected models. Results confirmed the need for further model development for general applications over wide pressure, temperature, and composition intervals.

Automated summary

This study analyzes the performance of various models in predicting asphaltene precipitation and compares them with literature experimental data. The results show the need for further model development to cover a wider range of pressure, temperature, and composition conditions.