Nanoparticles for Heavy Oil Upgrading

Abstract

Several in situ recovery methods have been developed to extract heavy oil and bitumen from deep reservoirs. Once produced, bitumen is transferred to upgraders that convert low-quality oil to synthetic crude oil. However, the heavy oil and bitumen exploitation process is not just high-energy and water-intensive but also has a significant environmental footprint as it produces large amounts of gaseous emissions and wastewater. In addition, the level of contaminants in bitumen requires special equipment. Therefore, nanotechnology has emerged as an alternative technology for in situ heavy oil upgrading and recovery enhancement. Nanoparticle catalysts are an important example of nanotechnology applications. Nanocatalysts portray unique catalytic and sorption properties due to their exceptionally high surface area-to-volume ratio and active surface sites. In situ catalytic conversion or upgrading of heavy oil with the aid of multimetallic nanocatalysts is a promising cost-effective and environmentally friendly technology for production of high-quality oils that meet pipeline and refinery specifications. Further, nanoparticles could be employed as inhibitors for preventing or delaying asphaltene precipitation and coke formation and subsequently enhance oil recovery. Nevertheless, as with any new technologies, there are a number of challenges facing the employment of nanoparticles for in situ catalytic upgrading and recovery enhancement. The main goal of this chapter is to provide an overview of nanoparticle technology usage, such as ultradispersed nanomaterials, for enhancing the in situ catalytic upgrading and recovery processes of crude oil. Furthermore, the chapter sheds lights on the advantages of the employment of nanoparticles in the heavy oil industry and addresses some of the limitations and challenges facing this new technology.