Method of estimating an unstable asphaltene content in an oil sample

Abstract

The present document concerns a method for estimating an unstable asphaltene content in an oil sample, the method comprising: a) placing a sensing device in a cell; b) causing the oil sample to flow in the cell; c) varying at least one parameter among temperature of the oil sample, pressure, and an amount of alkanes added to the oil sample; d) measuring a deposition rate of asphaltenes deposited on the sensing device as the at a least one parameter varies; and e) calculating a concentration of unstable asphaltenes from the measured deposition rate of asphaltenes and a diffusion coefficient of primary unstable asphaltenes present in the oil sample estimated based on a hydrodynamic radius of the primary unstable asphaltenes.

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