ANÁLISIS CROMATOGRÁFICO DEL ASFALTO PRODUCIDO EN LA REFINERÍA ESTATAL DE ESMERALDAS

Abstract

This research defines the characterization and quantification of micro and macro paraffins, asphaltenes and maltenes from the Asphalt of Esmeraldas’ State Refinery. Through standard tests ASTM, INEN and DIN, was carried out the characterization of: Saybolt Furol viscosity, penetration, softening point, flash point, density, heat losses, trichloroethylene solubility, ductility and asphaltene content and the paraffins were quantified with help of simulated distillation using gas chromatography. The results indicated that the total content of paraffins in asphalt is in an average of 4.05%, from which 75,29% corresponds to microparaffins and the rest is macroparaffins, meeting the specification that establish the Ecuadorian Standard. The content of asphaltenes and maltenes, have in average 20,66% and 75,30% respectively and a Kuop of 11,3; so it is concluded that the asphalt has a naphthenic character.