New generation of asphaltene stability instrumentation launched

AD Systems is proud to announce the launch of the state of the art SV10 for measurement of asphaltene stability of fuels (S-value). The SV10 revolutionises S-value testing, by introducing the first fully automated instrument complying with ASTM D7157, which includes a unique, temperature controlled, high precision measuring cell (License TOTAL RC, patent pending). The SV10 represents a major advancement in handling, accuracy and test duration. Straightforward and user friendly, the SV10 does not need any operator action during the test or application expert: it comes with all programs ready for the different sample types described in ASTM D7157. In addition, the SV10 eliminates all safety risks linked to the manipulation of hazardous solvents.

The SV10 is compatible with a wide range of samples (even with asphaltene content <0.4%) such as marine fuels, crude oil, heavy fuel oil, bunker fuel, residues and bitumen.

The S-value of an oil containing asphaltenes (crude oils, residual refinery streams, heavy fuel oils, marine fuels) refers to its intrinsic stability, a low S-value oil is likely to generate asphaltene flocculation when stressed or blended with other oils, whereas the blend of two oils having a high S-value is likely to maintain asphaltenes in suspension and not flocculate.

Measuring the S-value is a key parameter to monitor and optimise efficiency in refinery processes like distillation, cracking (thermal, hydrocracking) and visbreaking. It is therefore useful to predict and optimise efficient oils blending. With the new IMO regulation, this test is now highly recommended for marine fuels (CIMAC guidelines), as new fuel formulations, that are stable individually, can become unstable when mixed and generate damages on the ship engines (due to sludge formation coming from the asphaltene flocculation).