METHODS FOR CHARACTERIZING HEAVY OILS

摘要

Methods for characterizing heavy oils are described. The methods involve extracting one or more asphaltenes from the heavy oil and measuring the viscosity of the heavy oil. The extracted asphaltenes are characterized and correlated to the viscosity of the heavy oil. By identifying the asphaltenes that are responsible for the high viscosity in the heavy oil, solvent systems can be developed for reducing the viscosity of the heavy oil.