Asphaltene stabilization
Asphaltenes are macromolecular compounds, which structure is not exactly known yet. In thermal processes, asphaltene structure is modified in a way that leads them to instability. Such instability can be raised, e.g., following not proper blending and/or the effect of storage temperature and time. A measure of asphaltene stability is made by evaluating the SHF (Sediments by Hot Filtration) of the oil under examination. By developing additives ITW has solved oil stability problems, with proven industrial experience, which allow for significant SHF reductions.
