Prediction of Asphaltene Stability for Live Oils – Impact of Changes in Temperature, Pressure and Composition

The precipitation of asphaltenes from crude oil can be induced by changes in temperature, pressure and composition. This<br>study reviews a thermodynamic approach to describing the solubility of asphaltenes with a model that accounts for all of<br>these effects. This solubility model can then be used to assess the relative stability of crude oil systems at all stages of<br>production from the reservoir to the tank farm. The impact of changes in temperature, pressure and composition are<br>individually addressed.