This new method quantitatively measures how easily asphaltene containing heavy fuels oils diluted in toluene, phase separate on the addition of heptane
Fullbrook says its TurbiScan MA2000 has been approved as the only instrument suitable for use in the ASTM D7061-04 - standard test method for measuring n-heptane induced phase separation of asphaltene-containing heavy fuel oils.
This information is useful to refiners and end users alike.
Refiners can use the method to contol and optimise their refinery processes and consumers of oil, can use the test to measure the stability of their reserves before, during and after storage.
This new method quantitatively measures how easily asphaltene containing heavy fuels oils diluted in toluene, phase separate on the addition of heptane. The test method calculates a separability number (%).
It offers significant improvements over the previous test methods, in that it provides a very rapid, quantitative measurement of the oils phase separation and asphaltene precipitation, says Fullbrook. The test method is not intended for predicting whether oils are compatible before mixing, but can be used for determining the separability index of already blended oils.
However, oils that show a low separability number are more likely to be compatible with other oils than oils with high separability numbers.
