In-Situ Heavy Oil Aquathermolysis in the Presence of Nanodispersed Catalysts Based on Transition Metals

Abstract

The aquathermolysis process is widely considered to be one of the most promising approaches of in-situ upgrading of heavy oil. It is well known that introduction of metal ions speeds up the aquathermolysis reactions. There are several types of catalysts such as dispersed (heterogeneous), water-soluble and oil soluble catalysts, among which oil-soluble catalysts are attracting considerable interest in terms of efficiency and industrial scale implementation. However, the rock minerals of reservoir rocks behave like catalysts; their influence is small in contrast to the introduced metal ions. It is believed that catalytic aquathermolysis process initiates with the destruction of C-S bonds, which are very heat-sensitive and behave like a trigger for the following reactions such as ring opening, hydrogenation, reforming, water–gas shift and desulfurization reactions. Hence, the asphaltenes are hydrocracked and the viscosity of heavy oil is reduced significantly. Application of different hydrogen donors in combination with catalysts (catalytic complexes) provides a synergetic effect on viscosity reduction. The use of catalytic complexes in pilot and field tests showed the heavy oil viscosity reduction, increase in the content of light hydrocarbons and decrease in heavy fractions, as well as sulfur content. Hence, the catalytic aquathermolysis process as a distinct process can be applied as a successful method to enhance oil recovery. The objective of this study is to review all previously published lab scale and pilot experimental data, various reaction schemes and field observations on the in-situ catalytic aquathermolysis process.

Evaluation of the Catalytic Activity of Metal Phosphates and Related Oxides in the Ketonization of Propionic Acid

“…Moreover, ketones can be further coupled with each other via aldol condensation, leading to the formation of longer chain molecules, further enhancing the calorimetric properties of the final mixture [15,16]. It is worth noticing that, during such upgrading process, several reactions in addition to ketonization can lead to the formation of CO2 (e.g., direct decarboxylation of carboxylic acids or aquathermolysis reactions occurring on the heavier components of the bio-oil [17][18][19]). Scheme 1.…”

A Review on the Role of Amorphous Aluminum Compounds in Catalysis: Avenues of Investigation and Potential Application in Petrochemistry and Oil Refining

“…Research on different types of catalysts for oil refining is being carried out worldwide. In [83][84][85][86][87][88], the authors describe the use of catalysts based on transition metals (Co, Ni, Fe, Cu) in combination with the action of water steam, which allow the creation of conditions for the underground refining of heavy oil (partial processing of heavy fractions in the reservoir), reducing the viscosity of the produced oil and improving its qualitative composition. This can increase the oil production rate and reduce the steam to oil ratio.…”

Influence of Naphthenic Hydrocarbons and Polar Solvents on the Composition and Structure of Heavy-Oil Aquathermolysis Products

“…However, there is still no systematic approach to track the hydrogen-donating capacity of solvents, as well as the conversion processes occurring in reservoir formations. Therefore, there is a noticeable effort by scholars to discover more efficient, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective ways of in situ hydrogenation of heavy hydrocarbons that allow improvement of the quality of hydrocarbons before their extraction. − The possible alternative ways for generating hydrogen in place are introduction of naphthene aromatic compounds, carbon monoxide for implementation of the water–gas shift reaction, and injection of formic acid and formiates. Only naphthene aromatic compounds are able to directly transfer hydrogen by reduction of the corresponding compounds in a hydrothermal process.…”