Transformations of Asphaltenes A1 and A2 in the Course of Atmospheric Residue Cracking

Various conditions for the cracking of atmospheric residue from the Novokuibyshevsk Oil Refinery were considered and analyzed. Optimal conditions for the cracking of the atmospheric residue were found (a temperature of 450ºС and duration of 30 min), under which an additional 51.8 wt % of light fractions was formed due to the destruction of 31.3 wt % of resin–asphaltene components. The compaction products formed upon cracking were studied. Two fractions of asphaltenes (A1 and A2) from the feedstock and isolated from liquid cracking products were studied using structural group analysis. It was found that the duration of atmospheric residue cracking had an impact on the formation of secondary asphaltenes.