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Measurement of asphaltenes using optical spectroscopy on a microfluidic platform
Marc H Schneider1, Vincent J Sieben, Abdel M Kharrat
1Schlumberger DBR Technology Center, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
Analytical Chemistry
|April 26, 2013
Summary
A new microfluidic device rapidly measures asphaltene content in crude oil using optical absorption. This method accurately determines asphaltene levels, offering a faster alternative to traditional techniques.
Area of Science:
- Petroleum Chemistry
- Analytical Chemistry
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- Asphaltene content is a critical parameter in crude oil characterization.
- Traditional methods for asphaltene measurement (e.g., ASTM D6560) are time-consuming and labor-intensive.
- Faster, more accurate methods are needed for efficient crude oil analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a microfluidic apparatus for rapid asphaltene content measurement in crude oil.
- To establish a correlation between optical absorption and asphaltene weight content.
- To compare the microfluidic method's performance against conventional techniques.
Main Methods:
- A microfluidic device utilizing an optical absorption technique was designed.
- Asphaltenes were precipitated from crude oil using n-alkane, followed by filtration.
- Absorbance measurements of the original crude oil and deasphalted oil (maltenes) were taken.
- Results were correlated with conventional gravimetric measurements (ASTM D6560).
Main Results:
- A linear correlation was observed between asphaltene optical density and weight content.
- The microfluidic method showed high repeatability (within ±2%) over several months.
- Measurements were completed in under 30 minutes, significantly faster than traditional methods.
- The system's performance was evaluated, considering factors like plug dispersion and channel clogging.
Conclusions:
- The microfluidic apparatus provides a rapid and accurate method for determining asphaltene content in crude oil.
- This technology offers a significant time advantage over conventional gravimetric techniques.
- The reduced measurement time enables more frequent and efficient crude oil characterization.
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