Asphaltene Yield

Independent variables in the deasphalting process include the solvent used, pressure, temperature, S/R, and contact time. These variables can be controlled to obtain the optimum conditions for the desired separation in deasphalting. One of the important dependent variables in the process is the asphaltene yield. Figure 5.10 shows, in qualitative plots, how asphaltene yield varies as a function of the process parameters.

solvent effect on yield. Yield decreases as solvent gets larger. Ex. higher yield @ C3 than toluene
Figure 5.10a. Effect of solubility parameter on asphaltene yield.
Credit: Dr. Semih Eser © Penn State is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
molecular weight on yield. graph shows increased yields with a higher ratio (low MW). Also mentions an anti-solvent effect at end of trend
Figure 5.10b. Effect of molecular weight on asphaltene yield.
Credit: Dr. Semih Eser © Penn State is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
Temperature on yield. Higher temp higher yield, slope flattens out @ higher temperatures
Figure 5.10c. Effect of temperature on asphaltene yield.
Credit: Dr. Semih Eser © Penn State is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
Contact time on yield. Steep initial slope, flattens out, shows yield close to maxed out at 8-10h contact time
Figure 5.10d. Effect of contact time on asphaltene yield.
Credit: Dr. Semih Eser © Penn State is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0