Pronunciation: [dˈiːsfɒltɪŋ] (IPA) 
The word "deasphalting" is spelled as /diːæsfɔːltɪŋ/ in the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). It is derived from the word "asphalt" and the prefix "de-", which means to remove or undo. The word refers to the process of removing asphalt from petroleum products. The spelling of this word may appear complicated at first but understanding the pronunciation through the use of IPA can help in mastering it.
Deasphalting is a process used in the petroleum industry to separate asphalt from crude oil or residual oil. It involves the removal of asphaltenes, which are heavy, high-molecular-weight compounds that give the oil its viscous and semi-solid characteristics. The deasphalting process is typically employed to enhance the quality and value of the crude oil or residual oil by removing the unwanted asphaltene contaminants.
The deasphalting process involves several steps. First, the crude oil or residual oil is mixed with a solvent, such as propane or butane, that has a high affinity for asphaltenes. This mixture is then heated and pressurized, promoting the dissolution of the asphaltenes into the solvent. The mixture is then allowed to cool, causing the asphaltenes to precipitate out of the solution. This precipitated asphaltene-solvent mixture is then subjected to separation techniques, such as filtration or centrifugation, to separate the solid asphaltene particles from the liquid solvent.
Deasphalting is critical in the production of various petroleum products, as it helps to remove impurities that can negatively affect the quality and performance of the final products. The process allows for the production of lighter and higher-quality oils that are more suitable for further refining or other industrial applications. Deasphalting also reduces the risk of corrosion in refining equipment and improves the overall efficiency of downstream processes.
The word deasphalting derives from a combination of the prefix de- meaning removal or separation, and the term asphalting referencing the process of asphalt formation or the presence of asphaltenes in a substance.
Asphalting itself stems from the noun asphalt, which originated from the Late Latin term asphaltum or asphaltus and the Ancient Greek word asphaltos. These terms referred to natural bitumen or a pitch-like substance.
Ultimately, the word asphalt can be traced back to the Ancient Greek word asphalton, meaning paving material or bitumen.
