Normalab ASPHAN 02 Asphaltene Extractor for Crude and Fuels

A stand-mounted extractor for heptane-insoluble asphaltenes

The ASPHAN 02 is a Normalab optimized extractor that carries out the asphaltene determination as one stand-alone set-up: precipitation, filtration, washing, recycling, redissolution and evaporation. The glassware and the heating equipment are mounted on a metallic stand, so the operator works with one assembly rather than a bench of separate flasks and funnels. Asphaltene content is a key indicator for crude oil and residue stability, for fouling and sludge risk in storage and heat exchangers, and for the properties of bitumen.

The leaflet states that the apparatus conforms to NF T 60-115 and correlates with IP 143 and ASTM D6560. The method specifies the determination of heptane-insoluble asphaltene content of gas oil, diesel fuel, residual fuel oils, lubricating oil, bitumen and crude petroleum that has been topped to an oil temperature of 260 °C.

Technical specifications

Delivered items and benefits

The ASPHAN 02 is delivered with boilers (P/N 19425), a double effect condenser, the metallic extractor, valves, a filter (P/N 21372), an obturator (Teflon plug), two heating mantles and a heating regulator. Normalab does not list separate options for this unit.

Normalab lists improved asphaltene extraction, better reproducibility and repeatability, time saving and lower analysis cost as benefits of the optimized extractor, together with reduced exposure to solvent vapours. The leaflet shows the instrument with a stand, rods and clamps.

Planning an asphaltene laboratory

Because the method uses heptane and heated glassware, install the extractor in a fume cupboard or well-ventilated area, provide cooling water for the condenser, and keep a safe route for solvent waste. The laboratory still needs the solvents, filter media, a drying oven and a balance used by the method, and these are not part of the delivery.

Asphaltene results depend on strict control of sample mass, heptane volume and washing time, so operators should be trained on the method. Before ordering, confirm which standard the laboratory reports to, because the leaflet gives conformity to NF T 60-115 and correlation with IP 143 and ASTM D6560, the spare boilers and filters required, the water supply and the 230 V, 16 A outlet. Related equipment is grouped under liquid analytical systems.

Normalab publishes the ASPHAN 02 as a single configuration without separate options, so the enquiry should mainly state the method, the sample types and any spare boilers or filters, plus the available cooling water.

Related Normalab products: Normalab NCP Tech 2 Heated Centrifuge for Water and Sediment, Normalab NGT Classic Existent Gum Tester for Fuels, Normalab NSB Tech Automatic Salt in Crude Oil Analyzer, Normalab ARV Tech Air Release Properties Tester for Oils, Normalab NPN Tech Semi-Automatic Penetrometer and Normalab NBA 450 Automatic Ring and Ball Softening Point Tester.

Scope of the test method

Normalab states that the ASPHAN 02 conforms to NF T 60-115 and correlates with IP 143 and ASTM D6560. The method specifies a procedure for determining the heptane-insoluble asphaltene content of gas oil, diesel fuel, residual fuel oils, lubricating oil, bitumen, and crude petroleum that has been topped to an oil temperature of 260 °C. That covers most samples a refinery, terminal or fuel-testing laboratory in Oman needs to check for asphaltene content, from crude assays to heavy fuel oil quality control.

What the extractor does in the procedure

The ASPHAN 02 is described as an optimized extractor for the stand-alone precipitation, filtration, washing, recycling, redissolution and evaporation steps of asphaltene determination. All of the hardware is mounted on a metallic stand. Normalab lists the benefits as improved asphaltene extraction, better repeatability and reproducibility, time saving, lower analysis cost and reduced exposure of the operator to solvent vapour.

Scope of delivery

According to the Normalab leaflet, the ASPHAN 02 is delivered with:

• boilers (P/N 19425)
• double-effect condenser
• metallic extractor
• valves
• filter (P/N 21372)
• obturator
• two heating mantles
• heating regulator

When requesting a quotation, mention whether you also need spare filters and boilers, since these part numbers are the items a laboratory replaces most often.

Site requirements

Plan for a 230 V, 50/60 Hz, 16 A power supply and a connection to the water supply for the condenser. The unit measures 380 mm (W) × 580 mm (D) × 1250 mm (H) and weighs 32 kg, so it needs a stable bench or floor position under a fume extraction point, as heptane is handled during the test.

How the heptane-insoluble asphaltene test works

In the IP 143 / ASTM D6560 family of methods that the ASPHAN 02 correlates with, the sample is mixed with n-heptane and heated under reflux so that asphaltenes precipitate. The precipitate is collected on a filter and washed with hot heptane to remove waxy material. The asphaltenes are then redissolved from the filter with hot toluene, the toluene is evaporated, and the residue is weighed and reported as a percentage of the sample mass. Because each of these steps happens in one connected glassware and metal assembly on the ASPHAN 02 stand, the operator handles less hot solvent and fewer transfers, which is where the claimed gains in repeatability and time come from.

Documents and quotation

The Normalab ASPHAN 02 leaflet is attached. Send the samples tested, standard and spares required for a quotation; availability and lead time are confirmed before ordering.