Heavy hydrocarbon
Heavy hydrocarbons are a group of organic chemical compounds consisting of carbon and hydrogen atoms. These compounds have longer carbon chains and more carbon atoms than light hydrocarbons. Because of this, they usually have a higher boiling point, higher viscosity, and higher density.
Features and applications
Characteristics of heavy hydrocarbons
1. High molecular weight: Due to the higher number of carbon atoms, these compounds have a higher molecular weight than lighter hydrocarbons.
2. High boiling point: These compounds usually have a higher boiling point than light hydrocarbons due to the larger molecules.
3. High viscosity: Heavy hydrocarbons have higher viscosity due to longer carbon chains and appear as thick liquids or even solids.
4. Insolubility in water: These compounds usually do not dissolve in water due to their non-polar nature.
Applications of heavy hydrocarbons
1. Fuels: Heavy hydrocarbons are used to produce fuels such as diesel, fuel oil and some types of gasoline.
2. Petrochemical industries: These compounds are used as raw materials for the production of various chemicals, plastics, rubbers and other petrochemical products.
3. Lubricating oils: Heavy hydrocarbons are used to produce various types of lubricating oils due to their high viscosity.
4. Asphalt and bitumen: some heavy hydrocarbons are used in making bitumen and asphalt for roads and roofs.
These compounds are extracted from various sources such as crude oil and natural gas and are converted into final products in refineries under various processes such as distillation, cracking and refining.
Table of characteristics of heavy hydrocarbons
| Specification | Min | Max | Test Method | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Viscosity @ 60°C (mm2/s) | 250 | 500 | ASTM D2170 | |
| Flash Point (Open, Tag) (°C) | 66 | – | ASTM D3143 | |
| Water (%) | – | 0.2 | ASTM D95 | |
| Density @ 15°C (g/cm2) | Report | ASTM D1298 | ||
| Distillate Vol.% of Total | Distillate to 225°C | – | 20 | ASTM D402 |
| Distillate to 260°C | 5 | 55 | ||
| Distillate to 316°C | 60 | 90 | ||
| Distillation Residue to 360°C | 67 | – | ||
| Tests on Distillation Residue: | ||||
| Viscosity @ 60°C (Pa.s) | 30 | 120 | ASTM D2171 | |
| Ductility @ 25°C (cm) | – | 100 | ASTM D113 | |
| Solubility in trichloroethylene (%) | – | 99.0 | ASTM D2042 | |