ABSTRACT:
The process of extraction plays a pivotal role in the separation of high-value light oils from complex unconventional oil matrices like bitumen and extra heavy oil. Therefore, comprehending the intricacies of the extraction process and characterizing its resultant products holds paramount significance. In the case of Agbabu bitumen, the extraction process yields approximately 54.3% maltene, 23.7% asphaltene, and 21% impurities. Notably, the maltene yield surpasses that of asphaltene by a factor of two.
To gain insight into these fractions—Agbabu bitumen, maltene, and asphaltene—comprehensive analyses were conducted utilizing techniques such as thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The TGA results reveal similarities in the pyrolysis behavior of maltene and bitumen, characterized by a broad shoulder and a narrow peak, whereas asphaltene exhibits a distinct single peak.
FTIR analysis elucidates the presence of aromatic, phenolic, and aliphatic compounds within both bitumen and its constituents. Microscopic examination via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) exposes the structural composition of bitumen, revealing quartz particles ensconced within a blend of organic matter and clay minerals.
EXTRACTION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF MALTENE AND ASPHALTENE COMPONENTS FROM AGBABU BITUMEN,  GET MORE, ACTUARIAL SCIENCE PROJECT TOPICS AND MATERIALS
