Application of response surface methodology for optimization of the stability of asphaltene particles in crude oil by TiO2/SiO2 nanofluids under static and dynamic conditions

ABSTRACTIn this work, the onset of asphaltene flocculation for an Iranian crude oil by titration of samples with heptane in the presence and absence of the TiO2/SiO2 nanofluids was obtained by Near-IR spectroscopy. Nanoparticles and nanocomposites were characterized by BET, FESEM, EDX, XRD, and XRF analysis. Modeling and optimization of inhibition of asphaltene flocculation process by TiO2/SiO2 nanofluids were conducted by response surface methodology (RSM). Under optimum conditions (nanocomposite composition = 0.04 wt% (80%TiO2:20%SiO2), salinity = 4.01 wt%, and pH = 3.42), the onset point increased. For nanofluids stability analysis, the optimum nanofluid was compared with the two other nanofluids (SiO2 and TiO2) by visual observation method. The results indicated that high stability and surface area of the 80%TiO2 nanocomposites increase asphaltene adsorption on the particles surface that subsequently increases the onset point. In addition, the optimum nanofluid performance on the carbonate rocks was e...