Enhanced aquathermolysis of extra-heavy oil by application of transition metal oxides submicro-particles in relation to steam injection processes

Abstract In order to investigate the catalytic effects of transition metal oxides submicro-particles on aquathermolysis Liaohe extra-heavy crude oil, catalysts NiO, α ·Fe 2 O 3 and Co 4 are used evaluated during experiments. The optimum mass fraction catalyst water was determined be 5.0 wt% 30 wt%, respectively. reaction time for 24 h, temperature 240 °C. analysis results showed heavy oil upgraded dramatically by addition based upon viscosity reduction, saturate/aromatics/resins/asphaltenes analyses, elemental analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy gas chromatography. All show is in situ updated under operating conditions. A five-lump model proposed estimating kinetic parameters agrees well with experimental data.