A MICROFLUIDIC APPROACH TO INVESTIGATE PARAFFIN CRYSTAL FORMATION WITH THE ADDITION OF ZWITTERIONIC POLYMERS

Abstract

In the production of petroleum, paraffin deposition remains a serious problem that can result in pipeline obstructions and problems with flow assurance. Free-radical polymerization (FRP) and reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization were used to create zwitterionic polycarboxybetaines (PCBs) to examine the impact of molecular weight distribution on paraffin crystallization. The chemical structure, surface charge, thermal stability, and morphology of the synthesized polymers were confirmed through the use of Fourier- transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, zeta-potential measurements (ζ-potential), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). A microfluidic system investigated the paraffin crystal nucleation mechanism in real- time under controlled conditions. The findings indicate that wax inhibition is improved by a narrow molecular weight distribution and a higher polymer concentration, as evidenced by decreased crystal development and aggregation. Strong polymer-wax interactions that alter the crystallization process are demonstrated by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, which confirm the experimental results. This study presents a promising method for enhancing flow assurance in the oil and gas industry by providing knowledge about the molecular design of effective paraffin inhibitors.