Pollutant formation and int ... combustion of heavy liquid fuels

1.3. Molecular structure of asphaltenes

One of the best representations of the asphaltene micelle is that reported by Yen (Yen (1974)) : He suggest molecular weights of 1 - 5×10³, a molecular formula of approximately (C₇₉H₉₂N₂S₂O)₃ and molecular shape as in Figure 6.

Figure 6: Asphaltene molecular shape, as proposed by Yen

This structure would be formed by several flat, stacked condensed rings. Five of these rings, each containing from 8 to 16 condensed rings could be placed at distances of 3.5 Å- 3.7 Å, and connected by systems of sulphide, ether, aliphatic chain and/or naphthene ring linkages. The condensed sheets may contain O, S and N atoms which may act as free radicals for anchor points of bound metals like Ni, V, Mo or Fe.

The whole asphaltene complex would be 8 - 16 Å in diameter and 16 - 20 Å in height.

Table of Contents

Pollutant formation and interaction in the combustion of heavy liquid fuels
Luis Javier Molero de Blas, PhD thesis, University of London, 1998
© Luis Javier Molero de Blas