Asphaltene content by the in-line filtration method

CATEGORY: ASPHALTENE 
Asphaltene content by the in-line filtration method

Type	Journal Article
Author	Estrella Rogel
Author	Cesar Ovalles
URL	http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0016236115013307
Volume	171
Pages	203-209
Publication	Fuel
Date	May 1, 2016
Journal Abbr	Fuel
Abstract	Reports the development of an improved analytical method for the evaluation of asphaltene content. This method uses high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). However, rather than employing a conventional column, it uses a commercially available filter to retain the precipitated asphaltenes that are to be quantified. The in-line filtration method represents a significant improvement with respect to previous methods that use a column packed with an inert packing material to perform the analysis, being more repeatable and reproducible with better sensitivity and as a consequence, lower detection and quantification limits. The method works at lower flow rates making possible the use of a larger variety of different HPLC detectors and opening the possibility to directly couple it with other analytical techniques such as GPC, MS, ICP that require low flow rates. Filters are commercially available, cheaper, and show low variability that drives a more consistent performance than inert/handmade columns. This in-line filtration method requires small amounts of sample and can take less than 10 min. These characteristics make the use of filters an excellent candidate for monitoring processes in the oil industry where evaluation of asphaltenes is important.