Physicochemical Characterization of Asphaltenes Using MicrofluidicAnalysis

Crude oils are complex mixtures of organic molecules, of which asphaltenesare the heaviest component. Asphaltene precipitation and deposition have been recognizedto be a significant problem in oil production, transmission, and processing facilities. Thesemacromolecular aromatics are challenging to characterize due to their heterogeneity andcomplex molecular structure. Microfluidic devices are able to capture key characteristics ofreservoir rocks and provide new insights into the transport, reactions, and chemicalinteractions governingfluids used in the oil and gas industry. Understanding the microscalephenomena has led to better design of macroscale processes used by the industry. One areathat has seen significant growth is in the area of chemical analysis underflowing conditions. Microfluidics and microscale analysishave advanced the understanding of complex mixtures by providingin situimaging that can be combined with other chemicalcharacterization methods to give details of how oil, water, and added chemicals interface with pore-scale detail. This review articleaims to showcase how microfluidic devices offer new physical, chemical, and dynamic information on the behavior of asphaltenes.Specifically, asphaltene deposition and relatedflow assurance problems, interfacial properties and rheology, and evaluation ofremediation strategies studied in microchannels and microfluidic porous media are presented. Examples of successful applicationsthat address key asphaltene-related problems highlight the advances of microscale systems as a tool for advancing thephysicochemical characterization of complexfluids for the oil and gas industry

Automated summary

Crude oil production, transmission, and processing facilities often face challenges from asphaltene precipitation and deposition. Microfluidic devices offer new insights into the behavior of asphaltenes through capturing reservoir rock characteristics. Understanding microscale phenomena helps improve macroscale processes. This review highlights the applications of microfluidic devices in studying asphaltene deposition, interfacial properties, rheology, and remediation strategies.