Asphaltene prevention and treatment by using nanomaterial: A comprehensive review

The asphaltene deposition throughout the reservoir's life (primary, secondary production, and enhanced oil recovery) is natural. Different methods are used to deal with the problems caused by the deposition and precipitation of asphaltene, including prevention or treatment methods. There are two solutions in coping with asphaltene deposition or precipitation: treatment and inhibition. Asphaltene precipitation treatment with the usual techniques is considerably expensive, with many disadvantages and limitations; therefore, the prevention of asphaltene deposition is strongly recommended. Due to the exceptional properties of nanoparticles and nanofluids in asphaltene adsorption (such as surface to volume ratio, adsorption tendency, and other interfacial and bulk properties); they can inhibit the precipitation and deposition of asphaltene in the porous media. This paper presents and analyzes the results of works published in the literature on inhibition and treatment of asphaltene precipitation and deposition. The article focuses on nanoparticles/nanofluids, and the limitations of other methods are discussed. These studies have shown that the surface properties of asphaltene and nanoparticles must be coordinated to deliver the highest adsorption efficiency. The optimal size and concentration of nanoparticles are also essential parameters in the asphaltene adsorption process. The primary purpose is to classify and screen prevention and treatment methods for asphaltene precipitation and deposition using water-based and gas-based methods.