Flocculation onset titration of petroleum asphaltenes

The abundantly used technique of flocculation onset titration (FT) of asphaltenes is investigated, and it is shown how additional information on asphaltene and oil properties in terms of solubility parameters may be derived from the data obtained. The classical ways of interpreting the results are outlined. Analysis of the effect of oil concentration on FT is shown to add information on the stability of the asphaltenes in the oil. Application to various areas of asphaltene stability related problems is shown. This includes emulsion stability by asphaltenes, change in stability by conversion, oil field deposition, segregation, and asphaltene dispersant evaluation. Recommendations are given on the performance of this type of experiment, such as on titration rates. The analyses of more than 25 different oils are reported in the present work.