Indian Journal of Science and Technology

Abstract

Background/Objectives: The possibility of using asphaltenes from heavy crude oil to obtain sulfocationites with high total exchange capacity and sorption capacity with respect to cations Mg2+, Ca2+, Mn2+, Ni2+, Cu2+, Zn2+, and Fe3+ has been shown. Methods/Statistical Analysis: The main method of asphaltene sulfocationite synthesis is the chemical interaction of asphaltene concentrates with sulfuric acid or oleum. However the main disadvantage of the obtained materials is that it is impossible to control grain size, using the method of sulfonation of deasphalting residues (asphaltites) only powdered sulfocationites can be obtained. So, in order to produce this material in the form of grains and to increase their mechanical strength, a mixture of tarry residue with rubber crumb was used as the raw material. Findings: It was shown that the main advantage of asphaltene sulfocationites involves increased kinetic sorption capacity. During 1 hour asphaltene sulfocationites under static conditions adsorb from water solution at least 60% of magnesium and calcium, and 90% of heavy metals. In terms of these characteristics, asphaltene sulfocationites are superior to sulfonated coal, and come close to synthetic cation-exchange resin. However, at sufficiently high concentrations in the mixed salt solutions, the sorption capacity of asphaltene sulfocationites significantly reduces. As a result of the research performed we have shown that, on the basis of heavy oil asphaltenes, the efficient sulfocationites can be synthesized, which are characterized by a sorption capacity value with respect to different metals that stands at the same level as for conventional ion exchange materials. The cheapness of the raw materials and simplicity of asphaltene sulfocationite production technology mean they are promising for application in a variety of industrial and waste water treatment systems. Applications/Improvements: The main advantage of asphaltene sulfocationites is their increased kinetic sorption capacity.
Keywords: Asphaltenes, Cations, Heavy Crude Oil, Sorption Capacity, Water Treatment