Particle—fluid interactions with applications to solid-stabilized emulsions Part III. Asphaltene adsorption in the presence of quinaldine and 1,2-dimethylindole

Abstract The adsorption of asphaltic matter from shale oil onto clay particles renders these particles hydrophobic. Such hydrophobic particles have been known to stabilize undesirable emulsions of water-in-oil. The effect of two organic compounds, quinaldine and 1,2-dimethylindole, on the adsorption of asphaltenes on sodium montmorillonite was investigated. These additives were added to an oil mixture of heptane and toluene in order to simulate the properties of shale oil. The three-phase contact angle and zeta potential were measured. There was some reduction in the contact angle in the presence of the two organic compounds. While the presence of a surfactant in water showed no further improvement in hydrophilicity; pH modifications did help to some degree.