Toward Separation and Characterization of Asphaltene Acid and Base Fractions

Chemical inhibition of asphaltene deposition is considered a cost-effective way to prevent the harsh consequences instability in produced crude. Thus, careful screening inhibitors crucial for an efficient prevention. However, characteristics asphaltenes such as their acid–base properties will influence selection inhibitor and mechanism. Therefore, improved knowledge on acidic basic fractions important. In this work, separation into acid, base, neutral, amphoteric was performed. Among existing techniques fractionate asphaltenes, method Ramljack adopted applied light oil extracted asphaltene. sampled from one wells Hassi Messaoud field Algeria that experienced recurring asphaltenes. The results fractionation reveal half composition heavy part crude active functions gathered acid base components. main contribution reported neutral fraction. characterization infrared elementary analyses show both are aromatic polar. Moreover, fraction contains its structure carboxylic acids, phenols, sulfoxide groups, aliphatic chains, while amines, chains.