Method for dissolving asphaltic material

摘要

Asphaltic material is dissolved by contact with a solvent composition for a time sufficient to dissolve the asphaltic material wherein the solvent composition is comprised of a liquid heavy aromatic solvent having a high flash point and a fused heterocyclic ring compound or compounds soluble in the heavy aromatic solvent. In another embodiment, the asphaltic material is the binder material of a degraded organic residue whereby dissolution of the asphaltic material enables the convenient disintegration of the degraded organic residue. In still another embodiment, the solvent composition is the oil phase of an oil-water emulsion.