Effects of Resin I on Asphaltene Adsorption onto Nanoparticles: A Novel Method for Obtaining Asphaltenes/Resin Isotherms

Abstract

The main objective of this study is to investigate the effect of resin I on the adsorption behavior of n-C 7 asphaltenes onto silica and hematite nanoparticles. It is worthwhile to mention, for the first time, that competitive adsorption of n-C 7 asphaltene and resin I over nanoparticles is reported. Indeed, a novel method based on thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and softening point (SP) measurements was used for the simultaneously construction of adsorption isotherms of n-C 7 asphaltenes and resins. The adsorption experiments were conducted in the batch mode at different n-C 7 asphaltene to resin I (A:R) ratios of 7:3, 1:1, and 3:7 and different concentrations of the asphaltene−resin mixture from 500 mg/L to 5000 mg/L. The adsorption isotherms were described by the solid−liquid equilibrium (SLE) model. The results showed different shapes of the adsorption isotherms according to the A:R ratio. However, the nanoparticles become more selective for asphaltene at a high asphaltene/resin ratio. In addition, the amount of n-C 7 asphaltenes adsorbed at any of the A:R ratios evaluated was successfully predicted from a known amount adsorbed at a determined A:R ratio, following a simple rule of three. Results indicated that resin I does not have significant influence on the adsorbed amount of asphaltenes, showing that resin I has a solvent-like behavior, such as toluene, mainly at low concentrations (<3000 mg/L).

Metal Oxide Nanoparticles Supported on Macro-Mesoporous Aluminosilicates for Catalytic Steam Gasification of Heavy Oil Fractions for On-Site Upgrading

“…In accordance with the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC), the obtained adsorption isotherms follow a Type Ib behavior, which means a strong interaction between the available active zones in the adsorbent and the R-A mixture [77,86,87]. However, the asphaltenesresins interactions and a lower amount of functional groups, as well as low polarity in resins structure, could affect the interactions between the adsorbent and adsorbate [69,88,89]. The low asphaltenes concentration and the colloidal state of the adsorbate affects the asphaltene-asphaltene interactions, indicating that the adsorption process could be governed by the interaction of the adsorbent with the asphaltene-surrounding resins [25,89].…”

“…However, the asphaltenesresins interactions and a lower amount of functional groups, as well as low polarity in resins structure, could affect the interactions between the adsorbent and adsorbate [69,88,89]. The low asphaltenes concentration and the colloidal state of the adsorbate affects the asphaltene-asphaltene interactions, indicating that the adsorption process could be governed by the interaction of the adsorbent with the asphaltene-surrounding resins [25,89]. A heterogeneous adsorbent with multiple selectivities for heavy fraction would be more efficient attracting the heavy compounds to the catalyst surface.…”

“…The amount of the heavy fraction in the adsorbed phase was measured by thermogravimetric analyses (TGA) with a Q50 analyzer (TA Instruments, Inc., New Castle, DE, USA). Thermogravimetric analyses, in this case, were performed under an air flow of 100 mL/min with a heating rate of 5 K/min from 373 to 1173 K. The differences in the mass loss between the virgin catalyst and catalyst with adsorbed species determine the total amount adsorbed [89].…”

A Realistic Look at Nanostructured Material as an Innovative Approach for Enhanced Oil Recovery Process Upgrading

“…Such asphaltenes -polydispersed [67] can exist in the form of colloidal suspensions or micelles which form deposits when the wettability conditions of the reservoirs are altered. A study by Franco et al [68] on the adsorption behavior of nanoparticles on heavy components in crude oil such as resins and asphaltenes shows that nanoparticles in contact with crude oil is capable of adsorbing resins and (or) asphaltenes, however, nanoparticles exhibit great selectivity and preferential affinity for adsorption of asphaltenes (n-C 7 ) compared to resins. This behavior is also confirmed by an earlier report by Nassar et al [56,57], which shows that nanoparticles have great affinity for asphaltenes-where alumina nanoparticles adsorbed asphaltenes more readily than micro porous alumina particles with similar acid content.…”

“…This behavior is mainly governed by the nanoparticles surface adsorption, which is reliant on the phase concentration and efficient IFT reduction rate, however, the production of a stable process is dependent on the injected particle concentration. Several studies have been conducted in this regard [23,68,69,83,[106][107][108][109][110]; Sharma and Sangwai [110] investigated the effect of temperature C) on IFT of four paraffin oil (n-decane, n-hexane, n-pentane, n-heptane) using nanoparticle-polymer (NP) and nanoparticle-surfactant-polymer (NSP). Nanofluids IFT decreased with temperature increase for n-decane and n-heptane; n-hexane and n-pentane decreased with subsequent increase after reaching a minimum value owing to their low molecular weight that causes volatile losses at high temperature (>70 C).…”