Determination of the Physiochemical Properties of Nigerian Bitumen (AGBABU)

Petroleum is the world’s most source of energy and due to high demand for it has resulted to depletion and decline in production due to the fact that petroleum is extracted much faster than its rate of formation, hence the need to source for unconventional sources of crude oil. The aim is to determine the physicochemical characterization of Nigerian bitumen, with a specific focus on Agbabu bitumen. The research investigates key parameters such as density, boiling point, density, saturate, aromatic resin, and asphaltene. Bitumen samples were collected and characterized in terms of their physicochemical properties using appropriate apparatus and methods. FTIR spectroscopy was used to determine the functional groups present in the bitumen samples. Location 1, the Watson characterization is 9.793, for location 2, the Watson characterization is 9.608 and for location 3, the Watson characterization is 9.423. These Watson characterization values show that the deposit is aromatic base heavy oil. The findings also revealed that analysis of bitumen samples through specific gravity, density, API gravity, SARA analysis and Watson characterization have provided significant insights into their composition, physical properties, chemical properties and implication for refining and petroleum application. It is recommended that specialized refining process such as thermal cracking, hydro cracking or steam assisted gravity drainage be employed. These methods are efficient in breaking down the large complex hydrocarbon molecules present in the bitumen into more valuable lighter fractions.