Authors : N.E. Ibisi, D.E. Okwu and M.M. Ekwenchi
Abstract: Tar sand samples obtained from different locations in Olowo/Irele, Iwopin, Agbabu and Ofosu/Oshosu in Ondo State, Nigeria were pyrolysed at three different temperatures: 100, 150 and 200�C. A detailed analysis was conducted on the pyrolysed samples after an exhaustive soxhlet extraction with benzene as solvent. The percentage of the oil obtained at different temperatures increases as the temperature increases. Column chromatographic method was used to elute five different fractions comprising: saturates, monoaromatics, diaromatics, polyaromatics and polars/resins. These results indicate that tar sands can be potential sources of feedstock for the petrochemical industry in the country.
Ibisi, N.E. , D.E. Okwu and M.M. Ekwenchi , 2006. Evaluation of the Chemical Composition of Tar Sands of Southwestern Nigeria. Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences, 1: 138-142.