Review of microscale dynamics of dilution-induced asphaltene precipitation under controlled mixing conditions

TL;DR

This review compares microscale dynamics of dilution-induced asphaltene precipitation in oil sands with the ouzo effect in aqueous systems, highlighting experimental and modeling approaches to better understand and control these phenomena.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive comparison of asphaltene precipitation and the ouzo effect, emphasizing microscale dynamics, experimental techniques, and advances in microfluidic systems for controlled studies.

Findings

Similarities in nanodroplet evolution and solvent effects

Differences in precipitation mechanisms and conditions

Advances in microfluidic control of droplet formation

Abstract

As the most complex and heaviest component in bitumen, asphaltene precipitation induced by solvent dilution is important in oil sands extraction to remove solids and water from bitumen froth through dilution by paraffinic solvents. This review will compare asphaltene precipitation to dilution-induced solvent shifting in aqueous systems via the ouzo effect. We attempt to highlight similarities and differences in the evolution of nanodroplets and effects from solvent mixing conditions and point out mutual experimental techniques and modeling approaches for the research of both asphaltene precipitation and nanodroplet formation. The review will start from basic concepts in both asphaltene precipitation and the ouzo effect, then move on to the effects of solvent mixing on asphaltene precipitation in bulk. After that, we will introduce advances in microfluidic systems combined with cutting-edge experimental and simulation tools for asphaltene precipitation induced under controlled mixing with solvents and a droplet formation. Such comparison will inspire more in-depth understanding and control of asphaltene precipitation and the ouzo effect in aqueous systems.