Abstract

DALLOS, Carlos Gregorio; LIZCANO, Carlos Eduardo; NAVARRO, Lina Constanza  and  PENALOZA, Jhon Iván. Fluid dynamic model of an asphaltene sedimentation equipment. Rev. ion [online]. 2012, vol.25, n.2, pp.15-27. ISSN 0120-100X.

Heavy crude oil is a complex mixture of compounds that include saturates, aromatics, resins and asphaltenes. In this mixture, the asphaltenes are the heaviest components and can be unstable and precipitate. This kind of components causes troubles in transportation and processing. One way to reduce this problem is through technologies that use solvents, which under adequate operating conditions, separate the heavy fraction, improving the properties and conditions for transporting and refining of heavy crude oil. The present work develops a model of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) for asphaltene settler, using microscopic balance. The response of this model allowed to determine: the solids flow pattern distribution and accumulation points of heavy phase. This information is useful for understanding the fluid-dynamic behavior of the system. The model was validated using data from a pilot plant with capacity for treatment 2.3 x10^-6 m³/s (1.25 BPD) of heavy crude oil. This pilot plant is located in the Colombian Petroleum Institute of ECOPETROL (ICP), Piedecuesta, Santander, Colombia.

Keywords : cfd; sedimentation; heavy crudes; deasphalted.

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