Current Status and Future Trends of In Situ Catalytic Upgrading of Extra Heavy Oil

Zhengbin Wu, Hanzhao Chen, Xidong Cai, Qiyang Gou, Liangliang Jiang, Kai Chen, Zhangxin Chen and Shu Jiang ()
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Zhengbin Wu: Key Laboratory of Tectonics and Petroleum Resources, Ministry of Education, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China
Hanzhao Chen: Key Laboratory of Tectonics and Petroleum Resources, Ministry of Education, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China
Xidong Cai: Research Institute of Exploration and Development, PetroChina Tuha Oilfield, Hami 839009, China
Qiyang Gou: Key Laboratory of Tectonics and Petroleum Resources, Ministry of Education, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China
Liangliang Jiang: Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
Kai Chen: Key Laboratory of Tectonics and Petroleum Resources, Ministry of Education, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China
Zhangxin Chen: Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
Shu Jiang: Key Laboratory of Tectonics and Petroleum Resources, Ministry of Education, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China

Energies, 2023, vol. 16, issue 12, 1-29

Abstract: In situ catalytic upgrading of heavy oil decomposes viscous heavy oil underground through a series of complex chemical and physical reactions with the aid of an injected catalyst, and permits the resulting lighter components to flow to the producer under a normal pressure drive. By eliminating or substantially reducing the use of steam, which is prevalently used in current heavy oil productions worldwide and is a potent source of contamination concerns if not treated properly, in situ catalytic upgrading is intrinsically environmental-friendly and widely regarded as one of the promising techniques routes to decarbonize the oil industry. The present review provides a state-of-the-art summarization of the technologies of in situ catalytic upgrading and viscosity reduction in heavy oil from the aspects of catalyst selections, catalytic mechanisms, catalytic methods, and applications. The various types of widely used catalysts are compared and discussed in detail. Factors that impact the efficacy of the in situ upgrading of heavy oil are presented. The challenges and recommendations for future development are also furnished. This in-depth review is intended to give a well-rounded introduction to critical aspects on which the in situ catalytic application can shed light in the development of the world’s extra heavy oil reservoirs.

Keywords: heavy oil; upgrading; viscosity reduction; catalysts; EOR (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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