The deasphalting process is a technology that aims at improving and merchandising of crude oil and heavy oil fractions. The process involves the removal of the heavy oil fraction (asphaltene fraction) using molecular low weight hydrocarbons as a solvent. In the process is obtained Deasphalted Oil (DAO) and a slurry with the heavy fraction (high percentage of asphaltene); the asphaltenes are difficult to manage, tend to accumulate in the equipment, making difficult to maintain them. For this reason it sought solutions to mitigate accumulation of asphaltenes. One solution is use additives to help the solvent in its function as flocculation agent.  The additive causes agglomeration of asphaltenes particles, and increases the sedimentation rate. The results given in these tests, expose the improvements achieved with additives, looking for which of the additives studied shows a better performance and efficiency, taking into account factors such as price, availability, physical and chemical properties.

Use of additives to increase the size of asphaltene particle on separation equipment

243rd National Meeting (2012)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.