Processability of Partially Deasphalted Athabasca Bitumen

摘要

Asphaltenes, the heaviest and most polar (high S, N, O and metals) fractions of heavy oils and bitumen, are often present in colloidal forms. Under favroable conditions, asphaltenes are dispersed in the surrounding oil matrix (maltenes). However, this dispersed phase can separate as a result of slight changes in conditions during transportation or refinint. Consequently, asphaltenes are considered to be the most problematic components in refinery upgrading processes because they cause coke and sludge formation, and in catalytic processes they cause severe catalyst deaction.