Field application test of heavy oil catalytic hydrothermal cracking modification and viscosity reduction technology in China

Abstract

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