Modeling and simulation of asphaltene precipitation by normal pressure depletion

•Variables affect asphaltene deposition by normal pressure depletion was studied.•The Hirschberg et al. (1984) model was used together with experimental data.•The results show that the traditional model can be applied successfully with changes.•Oil characterization, oil and asphaltene solubility parameters need modifications.

Asphaltene precipitation is a serious and complex problem in all sections of the oil industry including oil production, transportation and processing. In this paper the analysis of several variables affecting asphaltene deposition by normal pressure depletion was carried out using the Hirschberg et al. (1984) model and experimental data from literature. The results show that the traditional Hirschberg et al. (1984) model can be applied successfully when modifications to the oil characterization, the calculation of oil and the asphaltene solubility parameter are made. We demonstrate that a quantitative representation of asphaltene deposited due to pressure depletion can be obtained with great precision using a minimum amount of experimental data.