Bitumen Solubility Model Using Hansen Solubility Parameter

The Hansen solubility parameter (HSP) for bitumen was determined using solubility data of bitumen in a set of 48 solvents with known solubility parameters. A computer program was used to calculate the best estimate of the solubility parameter of Venezuelan bitumen as well as a pseudo sphere around the HSP. The program also permitted plotting of the spheres in a 3D diagram. The solubility parameter of the asphaltenes and maltenes was determined and compared to the HSP of the bitumen. It was found that the asphaltenes may be dissolved in the maltenes rather than dispersed, indicating that no asphaltene micelles can exist. The HSP of bitumen was also compared with HSP of three different polymers to demonstrate how to predict the compatibility of polymers with bitumen. The HSP of one crude oil from the North Sea was also determined. The determination of the Hansen Solubility Sphere is proposed as a method to estimate internal stability of bitumen, crude oils, and residues as well as compatibility with added materials.