Extra-Heavy Oil Aquathermolysis Using Nickel-Based Catalyst: Some Aspects of In-Situ Transformation of Catalyst Precursor

In the present work, we studied catalytic performance of an oil-soluble nickel-based catalyst during aquathermolysis oil-saturated crushed cores from Boca de Jaruco extra-heavy oil field. The decomposition nickel tallate and some aspects in-situ transformation given precursor under steam injection conditions were investigated in a high-pressure batch reactor using XRD SEM analysis methods. changes physical chemical properties core extracts after process with various duration gas chromatography for analyzing products, SARA analysis, GC-MS saturated aromatic fractions, FT-IR spectrometer, elemental matrix-activated laser desorption/ionization (MALDI). results showed that presence at 300 °C transforms mainly into nonstoichiometric forms sulfide. According to images, size sulfide particles was range 80–100 nm. behavior main products such as CH4, CO2, H2S, H2 depending on analyzed. upgrading provided decrease content resins asphaltenes, increase hydrocarbon content. Moreover, low-molecular alkanes, which not detected before process, dramatically increased saturates fraction reactions. addition, aromatics hydrocarbons high molecular weight polycyclic compounds—isomers benzo(a)fluorine, initially concentrated asphaltenes. Nickel good desulfurization high-molecular components oil. cracking weak C–S bonds, ring-opening reactions, detachment alkyl substitutes asphaltenes inhibition polymerization reactions complex reduced average mass (from 871.7 523.3 a.m.u.) 1572.7 1072.3 a.m.u.). Thus, is promising promote techniques.