Aromatic Enriched Deasphalted Oil Extract for Bitumen Production
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bitumen production methods result in high concentrations of poly cyclic aromatics (PCA) and benzo(a)pyrene, which are carcinogenic, and do not efficiently produce various viscosity grades of bitumen with low PCA and benzo(a)pyrene content.
Innovation Solution
An aromatic enriched deasphalted oil extract fraction is prepared with a minimum initial boiling point of 490°C, containing at least 10 wt% of ingredients in the boiling range of 490°C to 550°C and contributing 25 to 75 wt% aromatic carbon, with an aniline point between 55° to 70°C and less than 10 ppm of PCA, including benzo(a)pyrene at less than 1 ppm, which is blended with asphalt to produce bitumen grades.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If aromatic extract obtained from conventional deasphalting process is used to prepare bitumen, then the bitumen production process is simple, but the bitumen contains high concentration of poly cyclic aromatics (PCA) and benzo(a)pyrene which are carcinogenic
Solution Approach 1:
The deasphalting process is segmented into multiple stages with different solvents (propane at -30°C to separate asphaltenes, then n-butane at 0°C to 10°C to separate resins), allowing selective removal of carcinogenic components while preserving desired bitumen properties
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful poly cyclic aromatics and benzo(a)pyrene are selectively extracted and removed from the deasphalted oil using controlled solvent extraction, concentrating the carcinogenic components in the extract fraction while leaving purified bitumen behind
2Adaptability or versatility
If different aromatic extracts with different boiling ranges are used to prepare various viscosity grades of bitumen, then multiple bitumen grades can be produced, but the process complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
A single purified aromatic extract fraction with controlled boiling range (250-550°C) and specific properties (aniline point 65-75°C, aromatic carbon 40-60 wt%) can be used to produce all four viscosity grades (VG10, VG20, VG30, VG40) by varying only the blending ratio with asphalt, eliminating the need for separate extraction processes for each grade
Solution Approach 2:
The viscosity grade of bitumen is controlled by changing the blending ratio parameter between the purified aromatic extract and asphalt, rather than changing the extract composition itself. For example, VG10 requires 20-40 wt% extract while VG40 requires 40-60 wt% extract of the same purified fraction
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional aromatic extract blending is used to produce bitumen, then the production process is straightforward, but the resulting bitumen does not meet stringent requirements for PCA and benzo(a)pyrene concentration
Solution Approach 1:
The deasphalting and purification process is performed preliminarily on the crude oil feedstock before bitumen blending, removing carcinogenic components in advance. This preliminary action ensures that the aromatic extract fraction used for all subsequent bitumen productions already meets the stringent PCA and benzo(a)pyrene concentration requirements
Solution Approach 2:
A purified aromatic extract fraction serving as an intermediary material is created through controlled deasphalting and extraction. This intermediary fraction has predetermined properties (boiling range, aniline point, aromatic carbon content) and low carcinogenic content, which can then be blended with asphalt to produce various bitumen grades while maintaining compliance with safety standards
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The process effectively reduces PCA and benzo(a)pyrene content in bitumen, enabling the production of multiple viscosity grades with improved solubility and molecular cohesion, meeting stringent application requirements.
Implementation Method 1
primary asphalt obtained from deasphalting process is blended with aromatic extract obtained from an extraction process
Implementation Method 2
aromatic extract obtained from Inter neutral as the feed is used for preparing a first grade of bitumen
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an aromatic enriched deasphalted oil extract fraction for preparing bitumen. The present invention also relates to a process for preparing the aromatic enriched deasphalted oil extract fraction for preparing bitumen. The present invention further relates to bitumen and process for preparing the bitumen using the aromatic enriched deasphalted oil extract fraction. The aromatic enriched deasphalted oil extract fraction obtained in accordance with the present invention can be used preparing plurality of grades of bitumen. Also, bitumen obtained in accordance with the present invention contains extremely low concentration of poly cyclic aromatics and more particularly benzo(a)pyrene.