In-situ microwave-assisted catalytic upgrading of heavy oil: Experimental validation and effect of catalyst pore structure on activity.

ABSTRACT: In-situ combustion alone may not provide sufficient heating for downhole, catalytic upgrading of heavy oil in the Toe-to-Heel Air Injection (THAI) process. In this study, a new microwave heating technique has been proposed as a strategy to provide the requisite heating. Microwave technology is alone able to provide rapid heating which can be targeted at the catalyst packing and/or the incoming oil in its immediate vicinity. It was demonstrated, contrary to previous assertions, that heavy oil can be heated directly with microwaves to 425 °C, which is the temperature needed for successful catalytic upgrading, without the need for an additional microwave susceptor. Upgrading of >3.2° API points, a reduction in viscosity to less than 100 cP, and >12% reduction in sulfur content was achieved us

SUBMITTER: Adam M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7578747 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature