Development of a catalyst based on metal tallates for intensification of heavy oil production

Abstract

This study explored the catalytic upgrading of high-viscosity oil from the Aksenovsk field in the Samara region during catalytic aquathermolysis on the composition and properties of the resulting products. Catalysts containing iron, nickel, cobalt, chromium, and copper were successfully synthesized. The results revealed significant oil transformation with copper tallate, leading to a 2.6-fold reduction in viscosity compared to the control. SARA analysis showed an 8 % mass decrease in high-molecular-weight compounds, especially resins, when using an iron-nickel (1:1) catalyst mixture. Iron tallate in the conversion products resulted in a 17 % increase in light saturates. X-ray structural analysis revealed that nickel, cobalt, and copper tallates primarily decompose into metal sulfides, while iron and chromium tallates break down into oxides and hydroxides. Based on these findings, a catalyst precursor with an 85/15 iron-nickel ratio was selected, and field tests at well 407 G in the Aksenovsk field demonstrated increased production rates and reduced water content.