Characterization of asphaltene particles by light scattering and electrophoresis

Citation
Gbm. Neves et al., Characterization of asphaltene particles by light scattering and electrophoresis, PET SCI TEC, 19(1-2), 2001, pp. 35-43
Citations number
10
Categorie Soggetti
Environmental Engineering & Energy
Journal title
PETROLEUM SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
ISSN journal
10916466 → ACNP
Volume
19
Issue
1-2
Year of publication
2001
Pages
35 - 43
Database
ISI
SICI code
1091-6466(2001)19:1-2<35:COAPBL>2.0.ZU;2-N
Abstract
The solubility of asphaltenes in heptane/toluene mixtures was studied at se veral temperatures. A significant increment in asphaltene solubility was ob served when the temperature increases from 0 degreesC to 20 degreesC and a moderate increase when the temperature rose from 20 degreesC to 50 degreesC . These results indicate that asphaltenes behave as a higher consulate temp erature system, similar to nonpolar waxes. Examined by photon correlation s pectroscopy, diameters from the particles formed a range between 125 and 40 0 nm, depending on the amount of non-solvent (n-heptane) used for the preci pitation process and the initial concentration of asphaltenes. The particle s presented a small positive surface potential that was not altered by the addition of resins.