The kinetics of asphaltene particle gro
wth in model systems of asphaltenes,
n-heptane, andtoluene
were investigated using a particle-size analyzer. Individual precipitated asphalteneparticles
were found to be on the order of 1
![](/images/entities/mgr.gif)
m in diameter. The asphaltene particles formedloose fractal-like flocs
with volume mean diameters ranging up to 400
![](/images/entities/mgr.gif)
m and a fractal dimensionof approximately 1.6. Asphaltene flocculation
was reversible, and the flocculation rate increased
with increased asphaltene concentration, increased heptane content, and decreased shear rate.A reversible kinetic flocculation model successfully fit the particle-size distributions and gro
wthin mean volume diameter over time.