Size distribution of asphaltene aggregates by image analysis and its influence on the efficiency of dispersant products
Abstract
The precipitation of asphaltenes in oil is a well studied phenomenon, however, little is known about the effect of the size of these aggregates on the efficiency of dispersant products. The research was based on determining the size distribution of asphaltene aggregates by image analysis and the influence of the average diameter on the efficiency of dispersant products. The formation of aggregates in each sample was determined by applying n-heptane and optical microscopy, as well as the point of dispersion with three dispersant products, and then calculating the index of instability. Microphotographs were taken of the aggregates and the average diameter was calculated by the equivalent circle method. The particle size distribution and the correlation between the average diameter and the efficiency of the dispersant products were obtained with the statistical package Statgraphics Centurion XVI. Aggregate size is not distributed normally and the relationship between the instability index and average diameter was very strong, inverse, and significant for each of the products, with a 95% confidence level.Downloads
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