Phase Behavior of Mixtures of Bitumen and<i>n</i>-Butane

Claro, Y. A. Perez; Schoeggl, F. F.; Taylor, Shawn D.; Yarranton, Harvey W.

doi:10.1021/acs.energyfuels.9b02113

Cited by 17 publications

(15 citation statements)

References 16 publications

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“…The yield data for the mixtures of bitumen, n-pentane, and methane at a 5 wt % methane content were similar to data previously collected for mixtures of bitumen and n-butane, 16 as shown in Figure 12a. The comparison of the methane/npentane blend to n-butane is not exact, because the methane content was fixed at 5 wt %, and therefore the ratio of methane/n-pentane changed as the solvent content changed.…”

Section: Resultssupporting

confidence: 85%

“…The uncertainties of the light-phase composition are ±3 wt % for the solvent and maltenes and ±1 wt % for the C5-asphaltenes based on a 90% confidence interval. 16 Mass Balances and Yield Calculation. The C 5 -asphaltene and pitch* yields were determined by solving the material balances for each of the three components using the following expression…”

Section: Asphaltene Yield Measurements At Atmosphericmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Solubility Parameter of Methane in Bitumen

et al. 2021

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Methane solubility parameters are required when using a regular solution approach to predict asphaltene precipitation from crude oils that contain methane. To determine these parameters, asphaltene onsets and yields from mixtures of bitumen, methane, and n-pentane were measured at temperatures of 21 and 130 °C and pressures of 10 and 60 MPa. The onsets (solvent content at which asphaltene precipitation was first observed) were measured by titrating bitumen with a mixture of methane and n-pentane in a high-pressure microscope. Asphaltene yields (mass of asphaltenes divided by mass of bitumen in feed) were measured in a blind cell pressure-volume-temperature apparatus for mixtures with the same methane content as the onset measurements. Saturation pressures were also measured in the blind cell apparatus for the mixtures with methane and were used to ensure that the onset and yield measurements were performed in a vapor-free condition. The onset and yield data were fitted with a Modified Regular Solution (MRS) model. The inputs to the MRS model are temperature, pressure, and the mole fraction, molar volume, and solubility parameters of each component in the mixturein this case, methane, n-pentane, and the bitumen characterized into saturates, aromatics, resins, and asphaltenes. The properties of the nonasphaltene bitumen components and n-pentane were determined from previously established correlations, and the only unknowns were the asphaltene and methane solubility parameters. The respective unknown solubility parameters were determined by fitting the MRS model to asphaltene precipitation data from mixtures of bitumen and n-pentane and from mixtures of bitumen, n-pentane, and methane. The fitted methane solubility parameters ranged from 6.1 to 9.5 MPa0.5 depending on the temperature. A correlation for the parameter was proposed, and the MRS model with this correlation matched the measured onsets and yields with average deviations of 1 wt % solvent and 8 wt % compared with the experimental uncertainties of ±1.5 wt % solvent and ±6 to 11 wt %.

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Section: Resultssupporting

confidence: 85%

Section: Asphaltene Yield Measurements At Atmosphericmentioning

confidence: 99%

Solubility Parameter of Methane in Bitumen

et al. 2021

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“…However, this approach is inaccurate when other bitumen components partition significantly to the heavy phase; for example, heavy phase formation in bitumen diluted with propane or n ‐butane. [ 36,69 ] In addition, this approach, by its nature, cannot predict the correct composition of the two liquid phases. Predictions of phase compositions are required for a number of process calculations, including the determination of product compositions and properties in deasphalting processes.…”

Section: Modified Regular Solution Model: Updatesmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Solid and dashed lines correspond to the SARA based and the distillation (TBP) based versions of the model, respectively. Data from Mancilla‐Polanco et al [ 36 ] and Perez‐Claro et al [ 69 ]…”

Section: Modified Regular Solution Model: Updatesmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Regular solution theory applied to asphaltene related phase behaviour

Yarranton

Ramos-Pallares

2021

Can J Chem Eng

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Asphaltenes are the least soluble fraction of crude oil and they can phase separate from the oil upon a change in temperature, pressure, or composition. This phase separation, often described as precipitation, may be beneficial (eg, in a partial deasphalting process) or detrimental (eg, in pipeline and surface equipment fouling). A phase behaviour model that can predict the onset and amount of asphaltene precipitation and is compatible with process simulators is desirable for the design and operation of these processes. This brief review focuses on the regular solution modelling approach. The regular solution model is based on activity coefficients and therefore is well suited for liquid‐liquid phase separations such as asphaltene precipitation. The model and its internal correlations are presented and its performance on asphaltene phase separation from mixtures of heavy oils and solvent is demonstrated. Recent updates to this approach are presented and potential future applications are discussed. The strengths and limitations of this approach for oilfield applications are highlighted.

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