Optimum Conditions For Paraffinic Hydrocarbons Separation From Petroleum Products

Abstract

This research work involves the determination of the optimum conditions for the separation of n-paraffins from authentic samples and application to kerosene and other petroleum liquid fraction. Study of the variation of temperature indicate that the best temperature for the adduct formation and quantitative separation is 25-30oC. The amount of urea used to the paraffin is found to be (1 paraffin : 3.5 urea) to give almost a complete recovery of the n-paraffin. Activator amount (absolute methanol) is found to be 4.25 gm /1 gm of paraffin. Therefore, the optimum conditions for ideal separation of any paraffin ranging from C15 is; 3.55 urea: 4.25 methanol: 1 paraffin: 25-30oC temperature. In order to test the optimum conditions, the study was extended to the paraffins isolated from kerosene. The study involves using gas chromatography and employing the American standard method UO436 in the Arab company for detergent chemicals. The method was modified to suit the case of the study.