Automated Asphaltene Extractor (ASTM D6560)

The Automated Asphaltene Extractor (CT-FA-EXT) automates the n-heptane method for asphaltene content in petroleum fluids according to ASTM D6560, IP 143 and NF 60115, reducing operator supervision compared with the manual procedure. Asphaltene content is reported as a mass fraction.

How it works

A sample of at least 1 g is treated with n-heptane, which precipitates the asphaltenes. The precipitate is separated by filtration on a medium with 0.8 µm particle retention and the asphaltenes are recovered with toluene; the unit runs the titration and separation steps automatically at temperatures up to 110 °C. The apparatus is glass and hermetically enclosed, so there are no toxic emissions and no loss of sample material, and the solvent is recycled, which lowers consumption. Solvent reservoirs hold 1 liter of toluene and 1 liter of n-heptane. Repeatability is 5% by weight or better, and the detection threshold is 0.3% by weight.

The extractor runs on 220 VAC, 50/60 Hz, single phase, and needs nitrogen at 30 psi. It is part of the asphaltene and solids detection line, alongside flocculation titrimeters, solid detection systems and high-pressure microscopes.

What is included

• Automated extractor in glass with hermetic enclosure and solvent recycling

Specify for your project

• Sample type and expected asphaltene content
• Number of samples per day
• Reference method to be reported: ASTM D6560, IP 143 or NF 60115
• Nitrogen and solvent supply at the installation site
• Supply voltage and frequency

This description defines the product family. Guaranteed performance, included hardware, exclusions, interfaces and acceptance criteria are stated only in the project-specific technical proposal and approved datasheet.

Features

• Minimum sample weigh: 1 gram
• Toluene volume: 1 liter
• N-heptane volume: 1 liter
• Max temperature: 110 °C
• Material: glass
• Particle pore retention: 0.8µm
• Electrical: 220 VAC 50/60 Hz 1 phase
• N2 requirement: 30 psi

Benefits

• Process simplification as the measurement is faster and automated, in accordance with ASTM D6560-IP143
• Great repeatability <= 5% Wt.
• Extreme filtration (detection threshold at 0.3% Wt.)
• Hermetic enclosure (no toxic emissions, no loss of sample material)
• Low solvent consumption as it can be recycled