Influence of resins, asphaltenes and petroleum acid interactions on water/model oil interfacial properties and emulsion stability

The presence of natural lipophilic emulsifiers, such as asphaltenes (A), resin (R) and petroleum acids (PA) in crude oil, plays a crucial role in stabilizing the W/O emulsions. This study primarily focuses on elucidating the influence of their interactions on the interfacial properties of the water/model oil system, as well as its emulsion stability. First, equilibrium interfacial tension (IFT), interfacial dilational modulus (IDM) and phase angle are measured. Then, emulsion stability experiments are performed. Finally, microscopic images of the emulsions were captured to evaluate droplet size and dispersity. Results show that the addition of petroleum acid to both asphaltene-only and resin-only system reduces IFT and dilational modulus, weakening the strength of the interfacial film. The inhibitory effect of petroleum acid on resins' adsorption at the interface is more pronounced compared to asphaltenes'. A low proportion of resin and petroleum acid (A/R >= 5, A/PA >= 7) enhances emulsion stability by co-adsorbing with asphaltenes at the oil-water interface. Conversely, a high proportion of resin and petroleum acid leads to a decrease in IDM and emulsion stability. For asphaltene/petroleum acid-water system, when A/PA <= 5, the presence of petroleum acid decreases the droplet size but enhances droplet dispersion while decreasing emulsion stability. It can be inferred that the presence of petroleum acids contributes more to the formation rather than stabilization of emulsions. This work deepens insights into the emulsion behavior of natural surfactants, providing theoretical guidance for the formation of stable emulsions underground and efficient demulsification above ground.