Role of Vanadylporphyrins in the Flocculation and Sedimentation of Asphaltenes of Heavy Oils with High Vanadium Content

Abstract

Extraction by N, N -dimethylformamide with further column chromatography allowed obtaining concentrate of vanadylporphyrins from asphaltenes of heavy sulfurous oils with high vanadium content. The prevailing types of vanadylporphyrins, their ratio, and molecular mass distribution were determined. The influence of obtained vanadylporphyrin concentrates on the stability of asphaltenes in the system “solvent/precipitator” was investigated. Kinetic studies using UV–vis spectroscopy have revealed that an increase in the content of vanadylporphyrins in asphaltenes leads to acceleration of their deposition from solution and destabilization of colloidal systems.