Influence of cavitation, magnetic field, and BAF-1 on crystallization behavior and ARP deposit formation in crude oil and water-in-oil emulsion

Authors

  • Elman Iskandarov Azerbaijan State Oil and Industry University
  • Vali Nurullayev State Oil Company of the Azerbaijan Republic
  • Aysel Gasimade Azerbaijan State Oil and Industry University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17794/rgn.2027.1.13

Keywords:

petroleum reservoirs, activation energy, hydrodynamic cavitation, magnetic field treatment, sustainable flow assurance

Abstract

Formation of asphaltene–resin–paraffin (ARP) deposits significantly affects flow assurance during production and transportation of high-paraffin crude oils, particularly under reduced temperature conditions. The present study investigates the influence of chemical and physical treatment methods on crystallization behavior, rheological properties, and structural characteristics of Muradkhanli crude oil and its 30% water-in-oil emulsion. The applied treatments include BAF-1 inhibitor, magnetic field activation, hydrodynamic cavitation, and combined cavitation–magnetic treatment. Experimental investigation was carried out under controlled thermostatic conditions using standard GOST and ASTM methods. Physicochemical characterization included density, viscosity, SARA composition, and GC-FID analysis of n-alkane distribution (C17–C45). Rheological parameters were evaluated using Power Law, Bingham, and Herschel–Bulkley models. Temperature sensitivity of viscosity was analyzed using Arrhenius linearization to determine activation energy of viscous flow. Kinetics of ARP accumulation were studied using a cold-finger method at 5 °C. Thermal phase transition parameters, including wax appearance temperature (WAT), initial crystal nucleation temperature, and pour point, were determined to evaluate crystallization behavior. SEM analysis was used to investigate morphology of paraffin crystal structures formed under different treatment conditions. The results demonstrate that all investigated treatments modify structural organization of paraffin–resin–asphaltene systems, affecting intermolecular interactions responsible for viscosity and deposit formation. Combined cavitation–magnetic treatment showed the strongest influence on structural and rheological parameters, producing measurable reduction in WAT and pour point for both crude oil and emulsion systems. Changes in activation energy and n-alkane distribution confirm modification of intermolecular associations controlling crystallization behavior. The obtained results provide a consistent structural–energetic interpretation of ARP inhibition mechanisms and support application of combined physical and chemical treatment methods for improving flow assurance characteristics of paraffin-containing petroleum systems.

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Published

2026-10-26

Issue

Vol. 42 No. 1 (2027): Forthcoming Issue: No. 82

Section

Petroleum Engineering and Energetics

License

Copyright (c) 2026 Elman Iskandarov, Vali Nurullayev, Aysel Gasimade

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How to Cite

Iskandarov, E., Nurullayev, V., & Gasimade, A. (2026). Influence of cavitation, magnetic field, and BAF-1 on crystallization behavior and ARP deposit formation in crude oil and water-in-oil emulsion. Rudarsko-geološko-Naftni Zbornik, 42(1), Article in Press. https://doi.org/10.17794/rgn.2027.1.13