LAUSR

Abstract In this paper, a NiO/SAPO-5 composite was prepared as a unique adsorbent to remove asphaltene from a model oil solution. The adsorbent is synthesized via an eco-friendly template (tetramethylguanidine, TMG). The surface structure of the adsorbent was characterized by TEM, BET, XRD, FTIR analysis. Response surface methodology was applied to maximize asphaltene removal by NiO/SAPO-5 composites. Influence of initial pH, D/C and temperature on the removal efficiency of asphaltene was analyzed. The predicted optimum D/C, pH and temperature were determined to be 0.07 [g/(mg/L)], 4.75 and 298 K, respectively. Under these conditions, the removal efficiency of asphaltene was predicted to be 88%. Moreover, the adsorption equilibrium data are particularly well matched to the Freundlich isotherm model at low temperatures (298 and 325 K) and to the Langmuir model at high temperatures (342 and 353 K). As well as, the financial assessment of asphaltene removal concerning stock returns of oil and petrochemical companies is evaluated.