Optimizing oil properties and asphaltene management using Fe3O4-based nanohybrids under microwave radiation

Abstract

Due to the depletion of heavy oil reservoirs, novel approaches such as microwave technology and the integration of nanoparticles have expanded significantly. In this study, Fe3O4 nanoparticles, along with Fe3O4-SiO2 and Fe3O4-NiO nanohybrids, were synthesized via a co-precipitation method and characterized using various tests. Furthermore, to enhance the effect of the nanoparticles, MW irradiation was employed, modifying the static properties of crude oil. The optimal conditions, identified using the Taguchi design of experiment approach, revealed Fe3O4-NiO to be the best option at a concentration of 0.5 wt.%, with 400 watts of power under 9 min of irradiation period. Under these conditions, a 42% reduction in viscosity, a 4.47° API gravity increase attributed to the breakdown of heavy molecules like asphaltenes. Also, it was revealed that this hybridizing approach leads to the stabilization of asphaltene particles, which was assessed by measuring the onset of asphaltene precipitation. The onset, evaluated with and without MW treatment, revealed a significant shift from 10 Vol.% to 26 Vol.% of n-heptane volume under optimal conditions. Furthermore, asphaltene content in the oil sample decreased by 22.6%, and sulfur content in asphaltenes dropped by 52.6%. These investigations, along with the conducted structural analysis tests provide novel evidence supporting our hypothesis regarding the stability of asphaltene particles in the presence of nanoparticles and MW energy, a methodology that has not been previously explored in the literature.