Aquathermolysis of heavy oil in reservoir conditions with the use of oil-soluble catalysts: part I – changes in composition of saturated hydrocarbons

This paper is devoted to the study of aquathermolysis processes of heavy oil produced by CSS technology on Boca de Jaruco oil field. Various catalysts based on cobalt, nickel, iron and copper were used for intensification of in-situ upgrading processes of heavy oil. The first paper in series is presented results of transformation of crude oil and its saturate fraction after thermal treatment with and without catalysts by SARA analysis, MALDI mass-spectrometry, FTIR-spectroscopy and gas chromatography. It is revealed, that catalysts provide more deep conversion of asphaltenes and resins into lighter hydrocarbons. Particularly, for the given heavy oil, catalysts based on iron and nickel organic salts are more effective to reduce the content of high molecular weight components (asphaltenes). Saturates fraction after thermal treatment in presence of the catalysts is enriched with lighter alkanes in comparison to the crude oil treated without catalysts. Obtained results show that crude oil recovered by catalytic aquathermolysis processes will be better quality than the original oil in the place.