This study formulates a mass balance model in integral form, for predicting permeability reduction caused by asphaltene deposition in vertical and horizontal wells. The theory accounts for both the effect of radius and time on all the parameters affecting the deposition process. This approach accounts, implicitly, for the effects of pressure, temperature, and fluid composition as a function of position in the reservoir. The model accounts for pore-size distribution, rock original permeability, and asphaltene particle-size distribution. The model is general and can be used to estimate the permeability reduction for both homogeneous and heterogeneous formations.

Keywords:
deposition process, scale inhibition, remediation of hydrates, fluid dynamics, scale remediation, horizontal well, asphaltene deposition, original permeability, production chemistry, wax inhibition
Subjects:
Production Chemistry, Metallurgy and Biology, Flow Assurance, Reservoir Characterization, Reservoir Fluid Dynamics, Formation Evaluation & Management, Inhibition and remediation of hydrates, scale, paraffin / wax and asphaltene, Precipitates (paraffin, asphaltenes, etc.), Flow in porous media
Copyright 2003, Society of Petroleum Engineers
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