Abstract: Asphaltene extracted from atmospheric residue of Yumen crude and atmospheric residue of Venezuela crude were hydrogenated in residue system and decalin system respectively. The hydrogenation effects of the two asphaltenes in different systems were comprehensively investigated from three aspects: the distribution of hydrogenation products, the removal rate of heteroatoms, and the condensation degree of asphaltene after hydrogenation. The results show that in the decalin system, the yield of light products from asphaltene hydrogenation is higher and the yield of coke is lower than those in residue system, but the removal effect of impurities is poor, and in residue system, the coke yield of asphaltene hydrogenation is higher and the removal effect of impurities is better than those in decalin system, and asphaltene has a higher degree of condensation. The main reason is that decalin can dissolve and disperse asphaltene, and provide hydrogen for the hydrogenation process, which can improve the distribution of asphaltene hydrogenation products, slow down the tendency of asphaltene condensation and reduce the formation of coke. The coke formed by the condensation of the heavy oil component macromolecules in the residue system is helpful for the removal of sulfur and nitrogen heteroatoms through the formation of coke.

Key words: asphaltene, reaction system, residue, decalin, hydrotreating