Asphaltene deposition is a common problem in producing reservoirs and its consequences include well productivity impairment and/or reduction of reservoir flow capacity due to pore blockage and/or wettability changes.

Asphaltenes can get precipitated and then deposited due to thermodynamical and compositional changes during the reservoir´s life. Initially equilibrated heavier components present in the oil, can get destabilized by changes in pressure, temperature and operative conditions leading to the appearance of pseudo-liquid or solid phases that impair the reservoir’s permeability; an effect that is initially originated in the near-wellbore area but eventually spreads to the entire reservoir.

The most common techniques for asphaltene control include near-wellbore chemical dissolution/inhibition and management of operative variables such as pressure, to avoid its precipitation (i.e., operating above the AOP – Asphaltene On-Set Pressure). These solutions normally imply short durability treatments or restrictions in production rates.