Conditions Where Asphaltene Destabilization Are Not Detected in the Laboratory but Could Still Lead to Surface Fouling

Asphaltenes undergo a kinetic process of aggregation when destabilized by n-alkanes. Traditional laboratory characterization of oils and fuels neglect the importance of time in measuring the phase envelope for asphaltenes. Consequently, operational conditions that rely on these phase envelopes can result in scenarios where asphaltenes will deposit. In this work, a review of the process of asphaltene precipitation and aggregation will be presented. The impact of asphaltene aggregation kinetics on traditional laboratory characterization techniques will be discussed. Finally, scenarios will be presented in the oil and gas, and marine industries, where asphaltene destabilization is not detected in the laboratory but where deposition can occur.