Abstract
As conventional hydrocarbon resources become depleted, there is growing interest in developing unconventional sources of raw materials, such as natural bitumen (NB) and oil-bituminous rocks (OBR). This article presents the results of comprehensive scientific research into the physical and chemical properties and composition of the natural bitumen found in the Karasyaz-Taspas field in Mangistau, Kazakhstan, and the development of effective technological solutions for its processing. A comprehensive analysis of the elemental, group and fractional composition of the natural bitumen was carried out. On the basis of this analysis, the technological value of the natural bitumen as a raw material for obtaining a wide range of target products, such as fuel distillates, base oils and construction bitumen, was established. Based on experimental data, the effectiveness of extracting natural bitumen using a nitrite composition has been demonstrated, as has the potential of distillate and residual products. Distillate fractions were found to be suitable for use as components of motor fuels and lubricants, while residual products were found to be suitable for the production of road and construction bitumen. Technological solutions for the complex processing of natural bitumen have been developed and put forward. The results obtained confirm the potential for the integrated development of Kazakhstan’s oil-bituminous rock reserves as a valuable source of hydrocarbons, opening up opportunities to expand the raw material base and promote the development of the Republic of Kazakhstan’s petrochemical industry.