Batch Reactor Study for Partial Upgrading of a Heavy Oil with a Novel Solid Hydrogen Transfer Agent

Abstract

A novel solid hydrogen transfer agent (SHTA) based on an organic polymer containing fused-aromatic-ring units, supported in an inorganic matrix, was prepared and tested as a hydrogen donor in the upgrading of a heavy crude oil and its 274 and 343 °C+ residua. The SHTA performance is compared with that obtained using a conventional liquid hydrogen donor (tetralin). Three sets of experiments were carried out in a batch reactor: (1) hydrovisbreaking (HVB), (2) HVB with added tetralin, and (3) HVB with added SHTA. The results showed that the use of tetralin or SHTA in the HVB reaction enhances upgrading of heavy oils compared with the experiments without a hydrogen donor (HVB alone). Moreover, lower coke formation and a higher yield of liquid products were observed. The results obtained when using the novel SHTA are equivalent to those obtained when using tetralin as a hydrogen donor in the upgrading of a heavy crude oil and its 274 and 343 °C+ residua.

Experimental Study of Catalytically Enhanced Cyclic Steam-Air Stimulation for In Situ Hydrogen Generation and Heavy Oil Upgrading

“…Catalysts containing copper [29][30][31], nickel [30,[32][33][34], molybdenum [33,35], and other transition metals and their compositions [30,31,[36][37][38] have shown to be highly effective in promoting in situ oil upgrading. The addition of hydrogen donors together with the catalysts during reservoir treatment further intensifies the upgrading processes [25,[39][40][41][42][43].…”

Drag Reduction Related to Boundary Layer Control in Transportation of Heavy Crude Oil by Pipeline: A Review

“…According to the characteristics of the fluid and the mechanism of drag generation, researchers have proposed two types of methods to improve the heavy oil flow: viscosity reduction , and drag reduction. , Conventional methods of viscosity reduction to facilitate the transportation of heavy crudes include heating (heating with steam, thermal oil, or direct heating), injection of light oil or other diluents, , emulsification, , and upgrading. − This paper focuses on drag reduction methods related to boundary layer control rather than viscous reduction technology and emphasizes the reduction of frictional resistance without changing the viscosity of heavy oil as much as possible. These method mainly include the following technologies: drag-reducing agent (DRA), boundary injection of low viscosity fluid technology, etc.…”