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Upgrading of Heavy Oil From The San Joaquin Valley of California by Aqueous Pyrolysis

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 February 2011

John G. Reynolds ,
Ann M. Murray ,
Eric V. Nuxoll ,
Glenn A. Fox ,
Charles B. Thorsness  and
M. Rashid Khan
John G. Reynolds
Affiliation:
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, University of California, Livermore, CA 94551, reynolds3@llnl.gov
Ann M. Murray
Affiliation:
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, University of California, Livermore, CA 94551, reynolds3@llnl.gov
Eric V. Nuxoll
Affiliation:
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, University of California, Livermore, CA 94551, reynolds3@llnl.gov
Glenn A. Fox
Affiliation:
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, University of California, Livermore, CA 94551, reynolds3@llnl.gov
Charles B. Thorsness
Affiliation:
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, University of California, Livermore, CA 94551, reynolds3@llnl.gov
M. Rashid Khan
Affiliation:
Texaco R & D, P. 0. Box 509, Beacon, NY, 12508-0509
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Abstract

Midway Sunset crude oil and well-head oil were treated at elevated temperatures in a closed system with the presence of water. Mild to moderate upgrading, as measured by increase in API gravity, was observed at 400°C or above. Reduced pressure operation exhibited upgrading activity comparable to upgrading under normal aqueous pyrolysis conditions. Reduced pressure operation was obtained by the use of specific blending methods, a surfactant, and the proper amount of water. The use of metal complexes provided additional upgrading. The best of the minimum set tested was Co(ll) 2-ethylhexanoate. Fe, Zn, Mo, Cu, and Ni complexes also showed some levels of activity.

Type
Research Article
Information
MRS Online Proceedings Library (OPL) , Volume 432: Symposium S – Aqueous Chemistry and Geochemistry of Oxides , 1996 , 333
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 1997

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