Influence of aggregation of asphaltenes on the rheological properties of oil

Photon correlation spectroscopy was used to determine the threshold concentrations of n-heptane for phase transitions of asphaltenes in model systems for two types of oil. The rheological properties exhibited by high-paraffin oil in the asphaltene aggregation process were analyzed. It was shown that the presence of resin and paraffi n fractions in oil prevents phase transition of asphaltenes at the threshold concentration of n -heptane for the model system, so that a higher precipitant concentrations is required for aggregation of asphaltenes and formation of oil sludge.