A mechanistic study of the synergistic and counter effects of ultrasonic and solvent treatment on the rheology and asphaltene structure of heavy crude oil

Abstract

Production from heavy oil reservoirs faces challenges, such as accumulating heavy hydrocarbon materials like asphaltenes near the wellbore, resulting in low recovery rates. To enhance recovery and prevent formation damage, methods often focus on reducing oil viscosity. Solvents and ultrasonic waves have proven effective in this regard, though challenges related to asphaltene aggregation and structural changes persist. This study explores the impact of simultaneously applying ultrasonic radiation and solvents on crude oil's viscosity and asphaltene structure. Toluene and n-heptane, representing aromatic and paraffinic solvents, were employed. Viscosity measurements and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy tests were conducted on sonicated crude oil diluted with solvents and solvent-diluted crude oil subjected to sonication. Results were compared to untreated and separately treated crude oil samples. The study found that the most effective viscosity reduction method involved blending sonicated oil with toluene under optimal radiation time and concentration conditions. Two primary mechanisms for viscosity reduction were identified. Firstly, there was the dissolution and aggregation of asphaltene clusters. Secondly, chemical changes in asphaltene molecular structure were observed, altering the ratio of aromatic rings to aliphatic chains. This research offers potential insights into how ultrasonication and solvation interact to modify crude oil structure.