Application of MgO based-nanofluid for controlling the growth of asphaltene flocs under static and micromodel dynamic conditions

Abstract

In this study, the impact of magnesium oxide (MgO) nanoparticles on the control of asphaltene aggregates growth was examined. The investigation began with static testing, followed by dynamic testing, where nanofluid was injected into a constructed glass micromodel simulating a porous medium. The results obtained from light microscopy and asphaltene dispersant tests demonstrated that the MgO nanoparticles with an average diameter of 50 nm postpone the asphaltene onset point (AOP) and delay the growth of asphaltene aggregates in crude oil. Also, the results obtained from these experiments illustrated the performance of synthesized nanoparticles in various concentrations on inhibition of asphaltene deposit in the crude oil medium, in the order of 750 > 1500 > 100 > 1000 > 500 ppm. The results from both microscopy and ADT experiments strongly validate the effectiveness of MgO nanoparticles across varying concentrations, highlighting the optimal dosage of 750 ppm. Images of nanofluid flooding at the optimal concentration in the glass micromodel demonstrate effective nanoparticle inhibition and enhanced oil recovery from the porous medium. These findings corroborate the results obtained from ADT and microscopy tests. The results of FT-IR analysis show the adsorption of asphaltene particles on the surfaces of MgO nanoparticles in wavelengths of 2900–3000 cm⁻¹. Moreover, dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis results indicated that the average diameter of suspended particles was 3580 nm before adsorption and 6230 nm after adsorption, indicating the controlled adsorption of asphaltene onto the surface of MgO nanoparticles. The findings from this study can be applied to manage asphaltene formation across all stages of oil processing and production.