Studying Characteristics of Natural Bitumen of Oil Sand with Comparison to Heavy Crude Oil
Abstract
In this paper, the main characteristics of the natural bitumen of the Munaily-Mola oil sands were studied in comparison to the crude oil of the Karazhanbas oil field. The results of the research proved that the oil sand is composed of organic and mineral mixtures. It was shown that natural bitumen completely covers the outside of the mineral part of oil sands. During the experiment, the density (0.987 g/cm3), heating value (42656 J/g), ash content, and elemental composition of natural bitumen were determined. These parameters were compared with the properties of Karazhanbas crude oil. Oil fractions (46.3 wt.%), resin (47.5 wt.%), and asphaltene fractions (6.2 wt.%) of the natural bitumen were separated, with comparison crude oil too. Each of them was analyzed at a Fourier transform IR-spectroscopy Spectrum-65 with 450-4000 cm−1 range. According to these indicators, it is concluded that natural bitumen is a heavy hydrocarbon raw material with highly resin-asphaltene compounds. Like Karazhanbas crude oil, natural bitumen can be used as a raw material for various petrochemical products. By finding ways to effectively process natural bitumen, it can be used in useful areas of the national economy.