Investigating the catalytic effect of rock minerals during the aquathermolysis process of heavy oil in the presence of oil-soluble catalyst precursors

Abstract

In this investigation, we explored the impact of thermal steam treatment (TST) on Yarega bituminous rock samples, with and without catalyst precursor compounds based on transition metals. After subjecting the materials to TST at 300°C in the presence of iron thallate, there was a notable 21% increase in the proportion of saturated hydrocarbons compared to the control experiment, and a substantial 27% increase compared to the original bituminoid composition. Simultaneously, the resin fraction witnessed a reduction of 25% against the control and a significant 50% decrease compared to the original oil. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis revealed that post-TST at 250 °C, the catalyst was composed of nanodispersed particles approximately sized between ≈20–50 nm. However, following TST at 300 °C, the catalyst particle size expanded to an estimated range of ≈60–90 nm. Furthermore, this study introduced a technology utilizing a commercial form of the catalyst precursor for application at the Yarega deposit.