Thermodynamic modelling of asphaltene precipitation and related phenomena

Asphaltenes are considered to be the heaviest and most polar fractions of crude oils and are frequently implicated in problems encountered during production and refining as a result of phase separation. In recent years, considerable effort has been given to understanding the phase behaviour of these structurally heterogeneous materials from both experimental and computational perspectives. Various experimental studies have confirmed the long-advanced colloidal behaviour of asphaltenes in organic media, and this has inspired a number of modelling strategies. The present review is specifically concerned with advances in modelling asphaltene phase behaviour with emphasis on the use of the statistical associating fluid theory (SAFT), which it attempts to place into the wider context of thermodynamic treatments. [Display omitted] •A review on advances in modelling asphaltene phase behaviour is provided.•The complexity in modelling these systems is analysed.•A detailed discussion on the application of different fluid theories is offered.•Particularly the application of lattice theories, Cubic Equations of State and SAFT.