The Researches on Upgrading of Heavy Crude Oil by Catalytic Aquathermolysis Treatment Using a New Oil-Soluble Catalyst

Abstract

The aquathermolysis of Shengli heavy oil during steam stimulation was studied by using a new oil-soluble catalyst for the reaction in this paper. The laboratory experiment shows that the viscosity reduction ratio of heavy oil is over 75% at the circumstances of 200°C, 24 hs, 0.3 % catalyst solution. The viscosity of upgraded heavy oil is changed from 25306mPa•s to 6175mPa•s at 50°C. The chemical and physical properties of heavy oil both before and after reaction were studied by using column chromatography (CC) analysis and elemental analysis (EL). The percentage of saturated hydrocarbon、aromatic hydrocarbon and H/C increased, and resin、asphalt and the amount of element of S,O and N decreased after the aquathermolysis. The changes of the composition and structure of the heavy oil can lead to the viscosity reduction and the improvement the quality of heavy oil. The results are very useful for the popularization and application of the new technology for the in situ upgrading of heavy oil by aquathermolysis.