Upgrading Heavy Petroleum in Superheated Steam in the Presence of Modified Aluminosilicates

Abstract

Results are presented for a study of upgrading of heavy crude oil with density 0.9857 g/cm3 and sulfur content 3.6 mass % in superheated steam at 355-375°C and pressure up to 14 MPa in the presence of iron-modified natural aluminosilicates. The use of modified aluminosilicates containing oxides of iron, aluminum, and silicon in the upgrading of heavy crude oil led to a 50% decrease in the content of resinous-asphaltene components. Furthermore, the upgrading led to an increased amount of high-octane converted oil with branched alkanes in the light fractions boiling up to 300°C as well as a decrease in the oil viscosity of up to 60%.