This test method covers a procedure for the determination of the heptane insoluble asphaltene content of gas oil, diesel fuel, residual fuel oils, lubricating oil, bitumen, and crude petroleum using high performance liquid chromatography - evaporative light scattering detector (HPLC-ELSD).
asphaltene content, crude oil, HPLC, ELSD
Asphaltenes precipitate during production and refining operations, causing significant losses to the oil industry every year.
Remediation costs due to asphaltene precipitation in on-shore wells can be around one-half million dollars and significantly more in off-shore wells.
In downstream operations, the cost associated with crude oil fouling due mainly to asphaltene precipitation in the preheat trains was estimated to be in the order of billions of dollars 15 years ago in addition to the financial impact of refinery unit fouling.
The title and scope are in draft form and are under development within this ASTM Committee.
Date Initiated: 07-19-2023
Technical Contact: George Gonzalez