(722aj) "Effect of Asphaltene on Phase-Wetting and Internal Corrosion in Oil-Water Two Phase Flow"

Most of crude oils contain large amounts of high molecular weight components such as asphaltenes, waxes and resins. These components may deposit onto the inner wall of the pipelines producing operational problems such as decreasing the transmission capacity of the system and an increasing the cleaning frequency of the pipelines. On the other hand, asphaltene and wax deposits may create a non-uniform barrier between the wall metal surface and the corrosive agents, and reducing corrosion rates.

The aim of the research is to study the effect of asphaltene on phase-wetting and internal corrosion rate in oil-water pipe flow. To study this effect, experiments are carried out at four different concentrations of asphaltene and two different solvent. Toluene and heptol are used as solvents and four different asphaltene solutions of 0, 0.1, 1, and 5 wt % were prepared by dissolving the asphaltene in each solvent. Asphaltene which is used for all the tests is precipitated from Arab Heavy crude oil.

Linear polarization resistance measurements, contact angle measurements, and interfacial tension measurement tests are performed to study the effect of asphaltene. A inhibition model is being designed and results from this model are verified with the experimental results.