Asphaltene removal from crude oil by means of ceramic membranes

Separation of asphaltenes from three types of Iranian crude oils of different asphaltene contents, using asymmetric, ceramic monolith membranes with the pore sizes of 0.2 μm and 50 nm was investigated. The experiments were conducted in a batch filtration unit at a differential pressure of 200 kPa and a temperature of 120 °C. Two important operating parameters including flux of permeate and asphaltene rejection were monitored as a function of time. A decline in the flux of permeate and an increase in the asphaltene rejection occurred as a result of fouling the membrane. The flux of permeate did not exhibit a strong function of pore size and this phenomenon confirmed that fouling of the membrane was according to the formation of gel layer.

► Separation of asphaltenes from crude oil by means of ceramic membranes is demonstrated.
► The mechanism of membrane fouling by asphaltene particles is discussed.
► Gel layer formation is addressed as the major fouling mechanism.
► The effect of membrane pore size on the flux of crude permeate is evaluated.