Abstrato

Studying The Effect Of Structural Modification On The Production Of Activated Carbon From Heavy Crude Oil Residues By Chemical Treatment

Khalid A.Al-Ghannam, Khalid A.Al-Mmari

Our study involves the use of residual petroleum product such as that of Qaiyarah heavy crude oil in Northern Iraq, which contains a large amount of sulphur(7.78%) and other heteroatoms. The study involves increasing the asphalt and asphaltenes contents by employing direct oxidation with and/or by using a certain type of catalysts (FeCl3, ZnCl2 and CoCl2). The study involves variation of the reaction parameters such as temperature (250-3500C), time(1-3) hr. and catalyst amount(1-3%). The results indicate production of some carbon of a good quality, after the activated carbon was prepared, its characteristics from the physical and chemical point of view were studied and compared with the authentic carbon aiming to evaluate the carbon produced. The best samples obtained were compared with the authentic carbon when the ratio of feed/base,(1:2) at time(2-3) hr., temperature (350)0C and catalyst(2%) of FeCl3. Activation of the carbon(after oxidation at 3500C and primary carbonization at 3500C) was carried out at about 550250C. Catalysts used in the research(ZnCl2 and CoCl2) gave a good result but not as the same as that of FeCl3. Testing the activity of the prepared carbon through I2 number, methylene blue and carboxylic acid adsorption in aqueous solutions gave very encouraging results comparable to those obtained from a good quality commercial grade activated carbons. Other relevant properties such as mechanical resistance, bulk density, humidity and ash content were also assessed.