A microscopic study of the onset of asphaltene precipitation is report
ed. The onset conditions can be quantified by measurement of mixture r
efractive index, together with microscopic observations of particulate
formation in mixtures of oil and precipitant, with or without added s
olvents. For isooctane mixtures with a variety of hydrocarbon solvents
and a crude oil from Alaska, the onset of precipitation occurs over a
narrow range of solution refractive index. Addition of polar solvents
or different precipitating agents can shift the refractive index at w
hich precipitation begins. Refractive index decreases when a crude oil
is diluted by precipitant, as in this study, or when changes in tempe
rature and pressure alter the relative molar volumes of species in the
oil. If it falls below some critical value, resin/asphaltene aggregat
es that had been in stable dispersion become unstable and precipitate.
These observations provide a method of screening solvents to differen
tiate between those that prevent precipitation mainly by maintaining a
higher mixture refractive index and others that may participate in or
disrupt asphaltene/resin interactions.