ANALYSIS OF HYDROCARBONS RELEASED THROUGH HYDROPYROLYSIS OF ASPHALTENES OBTAINED FROM SOUTH WALES SOIL SAMPLE

Ivwurie, W. & Appi, T.S.

Department of Chemistry,

Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun, Delta State, Nigeria

Email: wivwurie@yahoo.co.uk       

ABSTRACT

Soil samples collected in South Wales was extracted and asphaltenes were precipitated from the extract. The asphaltenes were then subjected to hydropyrolysis to determine the percentage yield of hydrocarbon from asphaltene matrix. Open column chromatography was performed on asphaltenehydropyrolysate gave a percentage recovery of 91 %, suggesting that this process is a veritable tool for the release of bound hydrocarbons in asphaltene matrix. The mass balance for hydrocarbon distribution is consistent with literature

Keywords: Soil, Asphaltenes, Hydrocarbons, Hydropyrolysis