A new quick method of determining the group hydrocarbon composition of crude oils and oil heavy residues based on their oxidative distillation (cracking) as monitored by differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetry

A calorimetric-thermogravimetric method is described of determining mass percent contents of distillate fractions, paraffins, base oils, resins, asphaltenes and carbines in various crude oils. The method is based on recording DSC curves of a 10–15 mg sample heated in air in a calorimetric-cell at a rate of 40–50 °C/min. Additionally, weight loss of sample is found at temperatures before and after the reaction. At temperatures from 220 °C or higher distillation of the hydrocarbon mixture starts to be accompanied by its exothermic oxidation, thereby making possible monitoring the distillation (oxidation) of consecutive HC fractions by simple calorimetric-techniques. Differential scanning calorimeter “Thermodat” of high-calorimetric-resolution and sensitivity equipped with dedicated software was used for conducting the experiments and performing all the calculations. Percent contents of the main constituents in a number of heavy and light crude oils were determined and formulas for establishing paraffinic, base oil and coke-forming potentials of crude oils and oil residues derived. One full analysis of a sample takes no longer than 1.0–1.5 h. The method can be used for on-line quality control of various petroleum products, such as atmospheric and vacuum oil residues, cracking residues, lubricants, ceresins and paraffins.