Browsing by Author "Biswal, Sibani Lisa"

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    Investigation of Interfacial and Rheological Properties of Asphaltenes at Solid-Liquid and Liquid-Liquid Interfaces
    (2018-06-07) Lin, Yu-Jiun; Biswal, Sibani Lisa
    Asphaltenes are surface-active polyaromatic molecules in crude oil that are known to deposit onto surfaces of pipelines and stabilize water-in-oil droplets by flocculating at interfaces, resulting highly viscous emulsions. This has led to significant flow assurance problems in oil production. Therefore, a thorough investigation of the behavior of asphaltene aggregation at interfaces is needed. Microfluidic devices are used as a novel methodology for probing asphaltene deposition and asphaltene-stabilized emulsions. In particular, homogeneous and porous-media microfluidic designs are developed to represent various flow conditions typical of that found in oil flow processes. A variety of factors influencing asphaltene deposition are investigated, including asphaltene solubility, chemical dispersants, the presence of the brine, and solvent effects. Furthermore, the property of asphaltenes at interfaces is characterized using interfacial rheology and chemical analysis. By understanding the nature and the behaviors of asphaltenes at interfaces, we improve our ability to design cost effective mitigation strategies. This includes the development of a new generation of chemical inhibitors/demulsifiers and improved methods for prevention and treatment of this problem.