Abstract
Isolation of asphaltenes, resins and oils from straight-grade bitumen by a convenient method is of industrial importance, as these fractions form excellent blending stocks for making ‘synthetic’ bitumens of the required grades. The individual fractions also have established and potential end uses. Fractionation of three straight-grade bitumens was studied by using different organic liquids, and it was concluded that a method based on the use of hexane is the most appropriate. The method consists in cooling to ambient temperature a homogeneous dispersion of bitumen in hexane (1:10 by wt) which is obtained by heating, isolation of the soluble maltene fraction, and further cooling the same to subzero temperature for separation of resins. Individual components are obtained by stripping the various fractions free from solvent. Preliminary studies on the economics are in hand at an Indian refinery.
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