Vol. 336 No. 12 (2025)

DOI https://doi.org/10.18799/24131830/2025/12/4946

Evaluation of the accuracy of a numerical method for predicting the formation of asphaltenes in an oil well

Relevance. The need to assess the accuracy of existing approaches to study asphaltene precipitation and to accurately establish the thermobaric conditions of their formation. The correct determination of these conditions will make it possible to optimize the technological process of oil production and select the optimal method to reduce the intensity of formation of this type of sediment, which in its turn will avoid premature failures of oil production equipment, as well as reduce the cost of cleaning measures. Aim. To verify the accuracy of the numerical approach for predictive assessment of the asphaltene deposit formation by confirming the results of laboratory studies to determine the upper and lower curves of asphaltene stability region at the target site. Methods. Laboratory tests on a specially designed laboratory installation; modeling based on the component composition of oil in the PVTsim software. Results. In order to verify the accuracy of the predictive assessment of the intensity of asphaltene sediment formation using modeling in the PVTsim software, the authors have developed a laboratory installation that makes it possible to determine the thermobaric conditions of asphaltene formation. Laboratory studies were performed to determine the upper and lower curves of asphaltene formation. The upper and lower curves are modeled based on oil component composition. Calculations performed using the adapted PVT model show high convergence with the results of laboratory studies. Conclusion. The studied approach to numerical modeling of asphaltene sediment formation allows us to estimate the intensity of organic sediment formation with an error of 5%. Further research in a specially designed laboratory facility opens up the prospect for a practical assessment of the effectiveness of Asphaltene Stabilization and Flocculation inhibitors in reservoir conditions, which in its turn will make it possible to find the most effective dosages of the chemical reagent and reduce operating costs.

Keywords:

asphaltene deposits, laboratory studies, upper and lower asphaltene formation curves, oil well, asphaltene stabilization and flocculation inhibitors

Authors:

Pavel Yu. Ilyushin

Evgeniy A. Khudyakov

Amir Hossein Nikoo

Andrey V. Suzev

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