Electrodeposition of Asphaltenes. 2. Effect of Resins and Additives†

Electrodeposition of asphaltenes from oil/heptane, asphaltene/heptane, and asphaltene/heptane/additive mixtures has been investigated. Toluene, native petroleum resins, and a synthetic asphaltene dispersant, p-nonylphenol, were used as additives. The addition of these components led to partial dissolution of asphaltenes in heptane.

The charge of asphaltenic particles was found to be negative in oil/heptane mixtures and positive in asphaltene/heptane mixtures. In asphaltene/heptane/toluene systems, the charge of the deposit varied from positive to neutral to negative, depending upon the method of preparation of the mixture and the toluene content.

Introduction of petroleum resins into asphaltene/heptane mixtures resulted in neutralization of the asphaltene particle charge. The addition of p-nonylphenol to asphaltene suspensions in heptane did not alter the charge of asphaltene particles. Current transients recorded during electrodeposition tests indicated that the current was transported by the dissolved asphaltene fraction rather than the solid asphaltene particles and a sharp increase in conductivity was observed upon transition from systems with asphaltene deposition to systems without deposition.