Bulk Physiognomies and Sara Constituents of Bituminous Sands from Ondo State, Nigeria

Bituminous sands obtained from six different locations in Ondo State, Nigeria were analysed. Physicochemical parameters were studied using American Standard Testing and Materials (ASTM) procedures and analysis of hydrocarbon and non-hydrocarbon fractions using Ultraviolet Visible Spectrophotometer were undertaken. Results obtained show: density (0.877-0.884 g/cm3); specific gravity (0.878-0.886); API gravity (28.133°API to 29.531°API); kinematic viscosity (0.440 cSt to 0.550 cSt); dynamic viscosity (0.290-0.360); cloud point (-15°C to -2°C); moisture content (775 ppm to 1761 ppm); gum content (605-1895 mg/100 ml) and pour point of <-34°C. Result of the Saturates, Aromatics, Resins and Asphaltene (SARA) analysis revealed; saturates; 44.139% to 69.436%, aromatics; 21.778% to 44.949%, resins; 11.067% to 28.369% and asphaltenes; 8.634% to 29.278%. They suggest that these bituminous sands have similar characteristics, can be classified as medium heavy oils on the API gravity scale, high in saturate hydrocarbons and low in asphaltene content which indicates their high hydrocarbon potential.