A novel combination of two modes of separation for asphalt binders and heavy oils has been developed.  The initial step is an automated Asphaltene Determinator (AD) solubility separation in which asphaltenes are precipitated within a ground inert polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)-packed column.  The material which is not precipitated in the first step is separated into saturates, aromatics, and resins (SAR) components by normal-phase adsorption liquid chromatography using solvent and flow switching valves.   The activated stationary phase is not deactivated, allowing for repeated separations.  In a subsequent step the precipitated asphaltene on the PTFE column are re-dissolved using one or more solvents to provide a solubility distribution profile of the asphaltene material.  The result is a combined automated AD / SAR separation to provide an unequalled, comprehensive characterization of the sample.

Automated asphaltene determinator and saturates, aromatics, and resins integrated separation

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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