Journal of Applied Science and Engineering

Published by Tamkang University Press

1.30

Impact Factor

1.60

CiteScore

Material Engineering Chemistry / Biochemistry

Ruizhi HuThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Binnan Oil Production Plant of Shengli Oilfield Company, SINOPEC, Binzhou, Shandong, China, 256600

 

Received: August 5, 2023
Accepted: September 9, 2023
Publication Date: October 23, 2023

 Copyright The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY 4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are cited.


Download Citation: ||https://doi.org/10.6180/jase.202406_27(6).0010  


During the later stage of steam stimulation, old heavy oil areas in domestic oilfields become less efficient, while new areas are mainly comprised of extra-heavy oil, ultra-heavy oil, ultra-deep and ultra-thin reservoirs. The traditional oil recovery technology makes it difficult to meet the needs of its efficient development. It is urgent to research alternative methods for oil recovery to decrease viscosity and enhance mobility. In recent years, research into technology for reducing the viscosity of heavy oil through catalytic aquathermolysis has become a hot topic in this field. This paper provides an overview of the process for reducing the viscosity of heavy oil through catalytic aquathermolysis. It also discusses the current status of this technology and its applications in the field. The review reveals that the development of effective catalysts, lowering the temperature of catalytic cracking reactions, and improving hydrogen supply are crucial in exploiting heavy oil through aquathermolysis. The on-site implementation technology is crucial for applying aquathermolysis technology to extract heavy oil, and feasible technology can guide the on-site application. Furthermore, it is crucial to conduct further research and investigation on enhancing the contact efficacy between the catalyst and heavy oil in reservoir conditions. This can be achieved by increasing the level of cracking reaction through the introduction of hydrogen donors. Additionally, it is vital to identify the crucial steps and limitations of hydrothermal catalytic cracking reaction as well as the influence of heteroatoms in the process.


Keywords: heavy oil; catalytic hydrothermal cracking; mechanism; catalyst; hydrogen donor; field application


  1. [1] J. Guo and J. Zhang, (2014) “Review on the technology of blending diluting oil in heavy oil well" Science Technology and Engineering 14: 124–132.
  2. [2] Z. Shuichang and Z. Guangyou, (2007) “Distribution and genesis of large and medium-sized gas fields in sedimentary basins in China" SCIENCE CHINA Earth Sciences (S2): 1–11.
  3. [3] L. Wenzhang. Heavy Oil Steam Injection Thermal Recovery Engineering. 1997.
  4. [4] Y. Shiyi and W. Qiang, (2018) “New progress and prospect of oilfields development technologies in China" Petroleum Exploration and Development 45(4): 698– 711. DOI: 10.1016/S1876-3804(18)30073-9.
  5. [5] G. Weizhong. “Engineering Research on the Eastern Super Heavy Oil Reservoir of the Shan Six Xi Block in Shengli Oilfield". (Thesis). 2003.
  6. [6] Z. Minghui, S. Wenjie, and L. Kewen, (2017) “Experimental research of nano catalyst assisted oxidization upgrading of super heavy oil" Scientia Sinica Technologica 47(2): 197–203.
  7. [7] Y. SUN, M. ZHOU, J. HUANG, H. JIANG, J. YANG, and C. FAN, (2020) “Research progress and development tendency of heavy oil in-situ upgrading technologies" CIESC Journal 71(9): 4141–4151. DOI: 10.11949/0438-1157.20200498.
  8. [8] Z. Xiaoying, C. Yukun, Z. Yunlei, Y. Xueting, H. Qingqing, Z. Zhichao, and C. Gang, (2021) “Research Progress on Heavy Oil Recovery by In-situ Aquathermolysis" Technology & Development of Chemical Industry 50(06): 30–35.
  9. [9] J. Hou, C. Li, H. Gao, M. Chen, W. Huang, Y. Chen, and C. Zhou, (2017) “Recyclable oleic acid modified magnetic NiFe2O4 nanoparticles for catalytic aquathermolysis of Liaohe heavy oil" Fuel 200: 193–198. DOI: 10.1016/j.fuel.2017.03.005.
  10. [10] M. A. Varfolomeev, R. N. Nagrimanov, A. A. Samatov, I. T. Rakipov, A. D. Nikanshin, A. V. Vakhin, D. K. Nurgaliev, and M. V. Kok, (2016) “Chemical evaluation and kinetics of Siberian, north regions of Russia and Republic of Tatarstan crude oils" Energy Sources, Part A: Recovery, Utilization, and Environmental Effects 38(8): 1031–1038. DOI: 10.1080/15567036.2015.1107866.
  11. [11] D. Feoktistov, G. Kayukova, A. Vakhin, and S. Sitnov, (2018) “Catalytic aquathermolysis of high-viscosity oil using iron, cobalt, and copper tallates" Chemistry and Technology of Fuels and Oils 53(6): 905–912. DOI: 10.1007/s10553-018-0880-4.
  12. [12] J. Hyne, P. Clark, R. Clarke, J. Koo, and J. Greidanus, (1982) “Aquathermolysis of heavy oils" Rev. Tec. INTEVEP;(Venezuela) 2(2):
  13. [13] Y.-j. Liu, (2001) “Fundamental research on aquathermolysis for heavy oils recovery technology" Journal of Daqing Petroleum Institute 25(3): 56–59.
  14. [14] P. D. Clark, J. B. Hyne, and J. D. Tyrer, (1983) “Chemistry of organosulphur compound types occurring in heavy oil sands:: 1. High temperature hydrolysis and thermolysis of tetrahydrothiophene in relation to steam stimulation processes" Fuel 62(8): 959–962. DOI: https: //doi.org/10.1016/0016-2361(83)90170-9.  
  15. [15] P. D. Clark, N. I. Dowling, J. B. Hyne, and K. L. Lesage, (1987) “The chemistry of organosulphur compound types occurring in heavy oils: 4. the hightemperature reaction of thiophene and tetrahydrothiophene with aqueous solutions of aluminium and first-row transition-metal cations" Fuel 66(10): 1353–1357. DOI: https: //doi.org/10.1016/0016-2361(87)90181-5. 
  16. [16] P. D. Clark, N. I. Dowling, K. L. Lesage, and J. B. Hyne, (1987) “Chemistry of organosulphur compound types occurring in heavy oil sands: 5. Reaction of thiophene and tetrahydrothiophene with aqueous Group VIIIB metal species at high temperature" Fuel 66(12): 1699–1702. DOI: https: //doi.org/10.1016/0016-2361(87)90366-8. 
  17. [17] J. Hyne, (1986) “Aquathermolysis: a synopsis of work on the chemical reaction between water (steam) and heavy oil sands during simulated steam stimulation":
  18. [18] P. D. Clark and J. B. Hyne, (1984) “Chemistry of organosulphur compound types occurring in heavy oil sands: 3. Reaction of thiophene and tetrahydrothiophene with vanadyl and nickel salts" Fuel 63(12): 1649–1654. DOI: https: //doi.org/10.1016/0016-2361(84)90094-2.
  19. [19] P. D. Clark, J. B. Hyne, and J. David Tyrer, (1984) “Some chemistry of organosulphur compound types occurring in heavy oil sands: 2. Influence of pH on the high temperature hydrolysis of tetrahydrothiophene and thiophene" Fuel 63(1): 125–128. DOI: https: //doi.org/10.1016/0016-2361(84)90266-7.
  20. [20] F. Zhao, Y. Liu, T. Zhao, S. Wen, and G. Zhao, (2006) “Advance in catalytically upgrading heavy oil by aquathermolysis using hydrogen donor" Oilfield Chemistry 2(4): 379–384.
  21. [21] P. D. Clark and J. B. Hyne, (1984) “Steam-oil chemical reactions: mechanisms for the aquathermolysis of heavy oils" AOSTRA Journal of research 1(1): 15–20.
  22. [22] J. Cordova, P. Pereira, J. Guitian, A. Andriollo, A. Cirilo, and F. Granadillo. Production of oil soluble catalytic precursors. US Patent 6,043,182. 2000.
  23. [23] Y.-j. Liu, (2002) “Study on the aquathermolysis and viscosity reduced mechanism of heavy oil" Journal of Daqing Petroleum Institute 26(3): 95–98.
  24. [24] O. Muraza and A. Galadima, (2015) “Aquathermolysis of heavy oil: A review and perspective on catalyst development" Fuel 157: 219–231. DOI: 10.1016/j.fuel.2015.04.065.
  25. [25] C. Taoping and H. Jingbang. Petroleum Engineering. Petroleum Industry Press, 2000.
  26. [26] W. Chuan, L. Guang-Lun, C.-j. YAO, K.-j. SUN, P.-y. Gai, and Y.-b. CAO, (2010) “Mechanism for reducing the viscosity of extra-heavy oil by aquathermolysis with an amphiphilic catalyst" Journal of Fuel Chemistry and Technology 38(6): 684–690. DOI: 10.1016/S1872- 5813(11)60004-2.
  27. [27] W. Ji-Qian, L. Chuan, Z. Long-li, L. Zhao-min, and Q. Guohe, (2010) “DISPERSING EFFECT ON AMPHIPHILES ON LIAOHE ASPHALTENE AND ITS MECHANISM" Acta Petrolei Sinica (Petroleum Processing Section) 26(2): 283.
  28. [28] M. Siskin, A. R. Katritzky, and M. Balasubramanian, (1993) “Aqueous organic chemistry: 5. Diaryl ethers: diphenyl ether, 1-phenoxynaphthalene and 9- phenoxyphenanthrene" Fuel 72(10): 1435–1444. DOI: https: //doi.org/10.1016/0016-2361(93)90420-7.
  29. [29] A. R. Katritzky, S. M. Allin, and M. Siskin, (1996) “Aquathermolysis: reactions of organic compounds with superheated water" Accounts of Chemical Research 29(8): 399–406. DOI: 10.1021/ar950144w.
  30. [30] H.-F. Fan, Y.-j. Liu, and X.-f. Zhao, (2001) “Study on composition changes of heavy oils under steam treatment" Journal of Fuel Chemistry and Technology 29(3): 269–272.
  31. [31] Y. Liu, L. Zhong, S. Jiang, X.-l. Sun, and Y.-n. Gong, (2004) “Research progress of recovering heavy oil by aquathermolysis" Journal of Fuel Chemistry and Technology 32(1): 117–122.
  32. [32] C. Wu, J. Su, R. Zhang, and Z. Zhang, (2016) “Study on the molecular dynamics mechanism of extra-heavy oil by catalytic aquathermolysis" Energy Sources, Part A: Recovery, Utilization, and Environmental Effects 38(6): 763–768. DOI: 10.1080/15567036.2012.698369.
  33. [33] P. D. Clark, R. A. Clarke, J. B. Hyne, and K. L. Lesage, (1990) “Studies on the effect of metal species on oil sands undergoing steam treatments" Aostra J Res 6(1): 53–64.
  34. [34] Y. Chen, Y. Wang, J. Lu, and C. Wu, (2009) “The viscosity reduction of nano-keggin-K3PMo12O40 in catalytic aquathermolysis of heavy oil" Fuel 88(8): 1426–1434. DOI: 10.1016/j.fuel.2009.03.011.
  35. [35] K. Chao, Y. Chen, H. Liu, X. Zhang, and J. Li, (2012) “Laboratory experiments and field test of a difunctional catalyst for catalytic aquathermolysis of heavy oil" Energy & Fuels 26(2): 1152–1159. DOI: 10.1021/ef2018385.
  36. [36] J. Li, Y. Chen, H. Liu, P. Wang, and F. Liu, (2013) “Influences on the aquathermolysis of heavy oil catalyzed by two different catalytic ions: Cu2+ and Fe3+" Energy & fuels 27(5): 2555–2562. DOI: 10.1021/ef400328s.
  37. [37] Y. Wang, Y. Chen, J. He, P. Li, and C. Yang, (2010) “Mechanism of catalytic aquathermolysis: Influences on heavy oil by two types of efficient catalytic ions: Fe3+ and Mo6+" Energy & Fuels 24(3): 1502–1510. DOI: 10.1021/ef901339k.
  38. [38] H. Feifei and C. Bo, (2012) “Preparation and Evaluation of Oil Soluble Heavy Oil Cracking Catalysts" Liaoning Chemical Industry (3): 271–272.
  39. [39] L. Fangfang, Y. Shenglai, W. Xin, L. Changlin, Y. D. Dan, and C. Hao, (2014) “Study on the influencing factors of metal nickel salts on the hydrothermal cracking catalytic reaction of Niuquanhu crude oil" Oilfield chemistry 31(1): 75–78.
  40. [40] O. F. Al-Mishaal, M. A. Suwaid, A. A. Al-Muntaser, M. A. Khelkhal, M. A. Varfolomeev, R. Djimasbe, R. R. Zairov, S. A. Saeed, N. A. Vorotnikova, M. A. Shestopalov, et al., (2022) “Octahedral cluster complex of molybdenum as oil-soluble catalyst for improving in situ upgrading of heavy crude oil: synthesis and application" Catalysts 12(10): 1125. DOI: 10.3390/catal12101125.
  41. [41] J. Wang, L. Liu, L. Zhang, and Z. Li, (2014) “Aquathermolysis of heavy crude oil with amphiphilic nickel and iron catalysts" Energy & fuels 28(12): 7440–7447. DOI: 10.1021/ef502134p.
  42. [42] S. Shuwa, R. Al-Hajri, B. Jibril, and Y. Al-Waheibi, (2015) “Novel deep eutectic solvent-dissolved molybdenum oxide catalyst for the upgrading of heavy crude oil" Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research 54(14): 3589–3601. DOI: 10.1021/ie5050082.
  43. [43] H. Wang, Y. Wu, L. He, and Z. Liu, (2012) “Supporting tungsten oxide on zirconia by hydrothermal and impregnation methods and its use as a catalyst to reduce the viscosity of heavy crude oil" Energy & fuels 26(11): 6518–6527. DOI: 10.1021/ef301064b.
  44. [44] C. Li, L. Su, Q. Li, X. Wang, X. Li, J. Yang, and Z. Zhang, (2016) “Enhanced Heavy Oil Recovery in Mild Conditions by SO42-/TiO2-Zr O2 Solid Superacid Prepared by Different Methods" Journal of Nanomaterials 2016: 7436057. DOI: 10.1155/2016/7436057.
  45. [45] M. Khalil, R. L. Lee, and N. Liu, (2015) “Hematite nanoparticles in aquathermolysis: A desulfurization study of thiophene" Fuel 145: 214–220. DOI: 10.1016/j.fuel.2014.12.047.
  46. [46] L. Yuan, X. Wang, K. Zhao, H. Pan, Q. Li, J. Yang, and Z. Zhang, (2017) “Effect of reaction temperature and hydrogen donor on the Ni0@ graphene-catalyzed viscosity reduction of extra heavy crude oil" Petroleum Science and Technology 35(2): 196–200. DOI: 10.1080/10916466.2016.1241805.
  47. [47] O. Rivas, R. Campos, and L. Borges. “Experimental evaluation of transition metals salt solutions as additives in steam recovery processes”. In: SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition. OnePetro. 1988. DOI: 10.2118/18076-MS.
  48. [48] P. D. Clark and M. J. Kirk, (1994) “Studies on the upgrading of bituminous oils with water and transition metal catalysts" Energy & fuels 8(2): 380–387.
  49. [49] L. Zhong, Y. Liu, H. Fan, and S. Jiang. “Liaohe extraheavy crude oil underground aquathermolytic treatments using catalyst and hydrogen donors under steam injection conditions”. In: SPE international improved oil recovery conference in Asia Pacific. SPE. 2003, SPE–84863. DOI: 10.2118/84863-MS.
  50. [50] F. Zhao, Y. Liu, Z. Fu, and X. Zhao, (2014) “Using hydrogen donor with oil-soluble catalysts for upgrading heavy oil" Russian Journal of Applied Chemistry 87: 1498–1506. DOI: 10.1134/S1070427214100164.
  51. [51] F. Zhao, J. Huang, M. Li, S. Liu, Y. Guo, and P. Zhang, (2015) “Study on hydrogen donors catalytic upgrading of heavy oil using ultradispersed catalyst" J. Chem. Pharm. Res 7(4): 1370–1377.
  52. [52] C. Ovalles, E. Filgueiras, A. Morales, C. E. Scott, F. Gonzalez-Gimenez, and B. P. Embaid, (2003) “Use of a dispersed iron catalyst for upgrading extra-heavy crude oil using methane as source of hydrogen" Fuel 82(8): 887– 892. DOI: 10.1016/S0016-2361(02)00406-4.
  53. [53] L. Hendraningrat, Y. Souraki, and O. Torsœter. “Experimental investigation of decalin and metal nanoparticles-assisted bitumen upgrading during catalytic aquathermolysis”. In: SPE/EAGE European unconventional resources conference and exhibition. OnePetro. 2014. DOI: 10.2118/167807-MS.
  54. [54] S. Maity, J. Ancheyta, and G. Marroquín, (2010) “Catalytic aquathermolysis used for viscosity reduction of heavy crude oils: A review" Energy & Fuels 24(5): 2809–2816. DOI: 10.1021/ef100230k.
  55. [55] J. G. Weissman, (1997) “Review of processes for downhole catalytic upgrading of heavy crude oil" Fuel Processing Technology 50(2-3): 199–213. DOI: 10.1016/S0378-3820(96)01067-3.
  56. [56] J. Weissman, R. Kessler, R. Sawicki, J. Belgrave, C. Laureshen, S. Mehta, R. Moore, and M. Ursenbach, (1996) “Down-hole catalytic upgrading of heavy crude oil" Energy & fuels 10(4): 883–889. DOI: 10.1021/ef9501814.
  57. [57] Q. JIANG, Y. Hongjuan, P. Jingjun, et al., (2020) “Preliminary discussion on the present situation and development direction of heavy oil recovery technology" Special Oil & Gas Reser-voirs 27(6): 3–6.
  58. [58] J. Jialing, S. Xiaole, and F. Huichun. “Study on the properties of thermally recovered crude oil in Shanjiasi”. In: Proceedings of Heavy Oil Thermal Recovery Technology. Beijing: Petroleum Industry Press, 1993, 32 35.
  59. [59] C. Yanbin. “Study on Molecular Structure Characteristics of Fractions and Catalytic Aaquathermolysis of Shengli Heavy Oil". (Thesis). 2017.
  60. [60] Z. Wei. “Research and Application for Heavy Oil by Aquathermolysis Visbreaking Catalyst System". (Thesis). 2012.
  61. [61] F. Hongfu, L. Yongjian, Z. Xiaofei, and Z. Liguo, (2001) “First Field Experimental Of Recovery Heavy Oil Using Down-hole Catalytic Method In China" Oil Drilling & Production Technology (03): 42–44+85. DOI: 10.13639/j.odpt.2001.03.017.
  62. [62] Y.-j. Liu, (2002) “In situ experiments of heavy oil recovery by aquathermolysis in Liaohe oilfield" Journal of Daqing Petroleum Institute 26(3): 99–101.
  63. [63] S. Wen, Y. Zhao, Y. Liu, and S. Hu. “A study on catalytic aquathermolysis of heavy crude oil during steam stimulation”. In: SPE International Conference on Oilfield Chemistry? SPE. 2007, SPE–106180. DOI: 10.2118/106180-MS.
  64. [64] B. Li, (2004) “Experiments of in-situ upgrading heavy oil by means of catalyst and hydrogen donor" Journal of Daqing Petroleum Institute 28: 24–26.
  65. [65] Y. Chen, Y. Wang, C. Wu, and F. Xia, (2008) “Laboratory experiments and field tests of an amphiphilic metallic chelate for catalytic aquathermolysis of heavy oil" Energy & Fuels 22(3): 1502–1508. DOI: 10.1021/ef8000136.
  66. [66] L. Jian. “Catalytic viscosity reducer with dual structure of hydrogen donor and catalytic center and its viscosity reduction mechanism". (Thesis). 2014.
  67. [67] M. M. Rehman and M. Meribout, (2012) “Conventional versus electrical enhanced oil recovery: a review" Journal of Petroleum Exploration and Production Technology 2: 157–167. DOI: 10.1007/s13202-012-0034-x.
  68. [68] A. V. Vakhin, M. A. Khelkhal, I. I. Mukhamatdinov, R. E. Mukhamatdinova, A. Tajik, O. V. Slavkina, S. Y. Malaniy, M. R. Gafurov, A. R. Nasybullin, and O. G. Morozov, (2022) “Changes in Heavy Oil Saturates and Aromatics in the Presence of Microwave Radiation and Iron-Based Nanoparticles" Catalysts 12(5): 514. DOI: 10.3390/catal12050514.
  69. [69] N. Bjorndalen and M. Islam, (2004) “The effect of microwave and ultrasonic irradiation on crude oil during production with a horizontal well" Journal of petroleum Science and Engineering 43(3-4): 139–150. DOI: 10.1016/j.petrol.2004.01.006.
  70. [70] S. Xueqiong, W. Zhao, and S. Wenlei, (2012) “Wax prevention and viscosity reduction technology based on high-frequency alternating composite magnetic field" oilgas field surface engineering 31(6): 15–16.
  71. [71] D. Yuxi, Z. Xiaojun, and K. Dejing, (2017) “Research on Improving Crude Oil Viscosity Reducing Parameters Based on Electromagnetic Technology" Contemporary Chemical Industry 46(8): 1600–1603.

Latest Articles

Single Shot MultiBox Detector-based Feature Fusion Model for Building Object Detection
Single Shot MultiBox Detector-based Feature Fusion Model for Building Object DetectionVolume 28, Issue 2 (In Press)

Read more: ...

Influence of Calcium Carbonate Content on Properties of Natural Rubber and Acrylic Blends for Coating Applications
Influence of Calcium Carbonate Content on Properties of Natural Rubber and Acrylic Blends for Coating ApplicationsVolume 28, Issue 2 (In Press)

Read more: ...

Alkaline pretreatment of banana pseudostem waste for green cellulose fiber composite materials
Alkaline pretreatment of banana pseudostem waste for green cellulose fiber composite materialsVolume 28, Issue 2 (In Press)

Read more: ...

Dynamic Analysis of the UHPFRC High-rise Building under High Explosion using Coupled Eulerian-Lagrangian Approach
Dynamic Analysis of the UHPFRC High-rise Building under High Explosion using Coupled Eulerian-Lagrangian ApproachVolume 28, Issue 2 (In Press)

Read more: ...

NSGA-II Algorithm-Based Wide Area Measurement (WAMS) Allocation with Considering Reliability
NSGA-II Algorithm-Based Wide Area Measurement (WAMS) Allocation with Considering ReliabilityVolume 28, Issue 2 (In Press)

Read more: ...

Predicting Demand for Emergency Ambulance Services: A Comparative Approach
Predicting Demand for Emergency Ambulance Services: A Comparative ApproachVolume 27, Issue 10

Read more: ...

Multi-level Semantic Fusion Network for Few-shot Multimedia Image Recognition in Education Management
Multi-level Semantic Fusion Network for Few-shot Multimedia Image Recognition in Education ManagementVolume 28, Issue 2 (In Press)

Read more: ...

River bank erosion prediction using multivariable linear regression
River bank erosion prediction using multivariable linear regressionVolume 27, Issue 12 (In Press)

Read more: ...

Optimization of Ultrasound-Assisted Pectin Extraction from Durian Rind
Optimization of Ultrasound-Assisted Pectin Extraction from Durian RindVolume 28, Issue 2 (In Press)

Read more: ...

    



 

1.6
2022CiteScore
 
 
60th percentile
Powered by  Scopus

SCImago Journal & Country Rank

You may also like these articles below...

Most Popular Articles

Research Categories

Enter your name and email below to receive latest published articles in Journal of Applied Science and Engineering.