Asphaltene Characterization Using XRD and Field Flow Assurance Assessment: Zone 01 Samples and OMM-33 Crude Oil

Abstract

This thesis investigated the properties of asphaltenes from Algeria's Hassi Messaoud oil field, focusing on their characterization and implications for flow assurance. X-ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis of extracted asphaltenes revealed a significant paraffinic character alongside their polyaromatic cores, with relatively loose aromatic sheet stacking (d002 ≈ 4.00-4.05 Å). A case study on crude oil from well OMM-33 confirmed a high Asphaltene Onset Pressure (AOP), significantly exceeding bubble point pressures and initial reservoir pressure, indicating a high precipitation risk even in single-phase liquid. Dynamic deposition tests showed substantial asphaltene-rich deposits at 90°C (97.7% asphaltene) and mixed organic deposits (44.4% asphaltene) at 75°C, highlighting temperature-dependent deposit composition. These findings suggest that Hassi Messaoud asphaltenes, with their notable paraffinic association and high precipitation tendency, pose complex flow assurance challenges that may not be adequately addressed by traditional mitigation strategies, underscoring the need for advanced, tailored solutions.