Multiscale simulation of asphaltene deposition in pipeline flows

Abstract A novel multi-scale approach to asphaltene deposition in pipeline flows is presented. Pipelines are represented by Hematite (Fe2O3) surfaces, whereas Saturates, Aromatics, Resin and Asphaltene fractions (as provided by a SARA analysis) are used to represent a petroleum fluid. Molecular Dynamics (MD) and Dissipative Particle Dynamics (DPD) simulations are used to describe both the fluids and the fluid/surface interactions. The extent of asphaltene deposition in a pipe is calculated through a balance of adhesion (as calculated through MD simulations of the asphaltene-surface interaction) and drag (as represented by a Poiseuille flow in a shear field) forces, in a system of varying flowrates. Models and methods are validated first by different ways: interfacial tension and the hematite/asphaltene and asphaltene adsorption thickness on a glass surface. Two behaviors were found. The first one shows a clear decrease of asphaltene adsorbed thickness as the drag force increases (for Re