The effect of different solvent polarity on the precipitation of heavy organics from a crude oil deposit in the Niger Delta

Abstract

The precipitation of heavy organics (Saturates, Aromatics, Resins and Asphaltenes) from the Niger delta (Atan crude oil residue) was studied. Two C₄ organic polar solvents (ethyl acetate and butanone) were used to investigate the effect of polarity of the precipitating solvents. The heavy organics precipitated from Antan crude residue were 3.34% and 3.76% for ethyl acetate and butanone respectively. Asphaltenes were precipitated from the heavy organic precipitates using n-C₅ and n-C₆ alkanes. Chromatographic separation and spectroscopic analysis of the deasphalted soluble filtrate were carried out. The results identified the presence of saturates, aromatics and resins in the C₄ heavy organic precipitate.

Key words: Heavy Organics, Precipitates, Saturates, Aromatics, Resins, Asphaltenes