Francisco Lopez-Linares

Monitoring Bitumen Upgrading, Bitumen Recovery, and Characterization of Core Extracts by Hydrocarbon Group-type SARA Analysis

Abstract Hydrocarbon group-type analyses are presented in this work for characterization of samples related to the Province of Albertas abundant bitumen reserves that demand more effective ways of utilization and valorization. The main objective of the study is the evaluation of thin layer chromatography with flame ionization detection (TLC-FID) for rapid hydrocarbon group-type monitoring of bitumen samples and determination of the feasibility of each method for application with very small sample amounts. TLC-FID is a known technique for hydrocarbon (HC) group-type analysis. Different methods of utilization of TLC-FID are assessed here. The analytical techniques employed and data obtained are presented and compared. HC group types are presented in term of saturates, aromatics, resins, and asphaltenes (SARA). Applications are shown for three types of studies related to bitumen: with respect to ultradispersed catalytic bitumen upgrading; solvent-based enhanced bitumen production (Vapex); and characterization of organic extracts from reservoir cores. Techniques are evaluated and validated for each utilization and the preferred methodology indicated.