Microscopic details of asphaltenes aggregation onset during waterflooding

TL;DR

This study uses molecular dynamics simulations to elucidate the microscopic steps leading to asphaltene aggregation during waterflooding in petroleum reservoirs, providing insights for preventing reservoir blockages.

Contribution

It reveals the detailed sequential microscopic mechanisms of asphaltene aggregation during waterflooding, which were previously not well understood.

Findings

Aggregation involves water bridging and face-to-face stacking.

Hydrogen-bonding networks enhance aggregation.

Results applicable to real crude oil behavior.

Abstract

We report detailed microscopic studies of asphaltenes aggregation onset during waterflooding of petroleum reservoirs. To achieve this objective, a series of simulations are performed on asphaltenic-oil miscibilized with water at high pressure and temperature through molecular dynamics. Results of this simulation onset are applicable to asphaltenes behavior in real crude oils. Our simulation results illustrate that the aggregation onset in waterflooding generally follows three sequential steps: (i). Asphaltene-water interaction; (ii). Water bridging; (iii). Face-to-face stacking. Then, asphaltene-water and water-water hydrogen-bonding network surround every aggregate boosting the intensity of aggregation onset. We intend to utilize such understanding of these details in our predictive and preventive measures of arterial blockage in oil reservoirs during waterflooding.