AN EVALUATION OF ASPHALT RIDGE (UTHA) TAR SAND BITUMEN AS A FEEDSTOCK FOR THE PRODUCTION OF ASPHALT AND TURBINE FUELS

The purpose of this study was two-fold. The first was to produce vacuum distillation residues and determine if their properties met ASTM asphalt specifications. The second was to determine if the distillates could serve as potential feedstocks for the production of aviation turbine fuels. The bitumen used for this study was the oil produced during an in situ steamflood project at the Northwest Asphalt Ridge (Utah) tar sand deposit.

Two distillation residues were produced, one at +316 °C (+600°C)and one at +399°C (+750°F). However, only the lower boiling residue met ASTM specifications, in this case, as an AC-30 asphalt. The original oil sample met specifications as an AC-5 asphalt. These residue samples exhibited some unique properties with respect to aging. It is suggested that the low aging indexes and high flow properties of the samples may be beneficial for pavements that require good low-temperature performance.

Two distillate samples were produced, one at IBP-316°C (IBP-600°F) and one at IBP-399°C (IBP-750°F). The chemical and physical properties of these samples were determined, and it was concluded that both samples appear to be potential feedstocks for the production of conventional and high-density aviation turbine fuels.