Improvement of functionality of carbonate macadam via supercritical fluid impregnation with bituminous compounds

Abstract

A comprehensive process for the deasphaltizing of heavy oil residue and subsequent treatment (impregnation using a solvent in the supercritical fluid state) of a carbonate macadam by bituminous compounds (deasphaltizate) is developed. The purpose is to improve the functionality of the material and, above all, to reduce its water absorption capacity. The process parameters are specified based on the newly obtained data on the thermal capacity of heavy oil residue and deasphaltizate. The results of the process of experimental implementation and the characteristics of impregnated macadam, including the water absorption capacity which decreased from 3.6 to 0.54%, are presented.