Why are Asphaltenes a problem?

Because of the high relative densities, asphaltenes precipitate out of crude oil in storage. The solids form a layer of tacky, gummy sludge on the bottom of the storage tank that grows over time and eventually must be removed.

The tank cleaning process is typically long and difficult and results in large volumes of hazardous waste that must be disposed at a hazardous landfill or incineration at a very large cost to the client. Asphaltenes also deposit in process equipment such as desalters, tower bottoms, and heat exchangers.

These deposits can create process inefficiencies including heat transfer losses and process upsets, and are typically removed by mechanical methods such as hydro-blasting. All of this is a maintenance expense and a production loss to the customer.

FQE Solvent-H+ functions to dissolve asphaltene solids and then suspend the asphaltene in solution for long periods of time. The dispersion process prevents the asphalt molecules from re-agglomerating into larger masses that will quickly separate from the liquid as a solid.

While it is a dispersant, FQE Solvent-H+ also works as a solvent to dissolve the asphaltenes. While any aromatic solvent can dissolve asphaltenes, they do not suspend asphaltenes, leaving the asphalt to re-precipitate out of the solvent and form a hard layer of asphaltenes in a vessel.

FQE Solvent-H+ is valuable for its capability to dissolve asphaltenes. But many other solvents, like xylene, can dissolve asphaltene, too. What sets FQE Solvent-H+ apart is its asphaltene dispersion capability. By preventing asphaltenes from re-precipitation, the dissolved liquids not only eliminate a disposal expense, but become a valuable recovered hydrocarbon source, which can be reintroduced into the refining process without concern. No catalyst poisons. No process upsets.