Researchers from Russia have developed an innovative method that reduces the viscosity of heavy oil by 58%, which increases the efficiency of its production by 19%.
This method uses a combination of water vapor and salts of acetic acid and transition metals, which makes the process more energy efficient and economical.
“We have demonstrated for the first time that metal acetates can be used for steam-thermal technologies for heavy oil production. These inexpensive and safe connections will help to increase the energy efficiency of the existing technology,” explained Firdavs Aliyev, senior researcher at the Institute of Geology and Oil and Gas Technologies of Kazan Federal University.
Traditionally, hot water vapor is used to extract high-viscosity oil, which warms up oil-bearing formations, making hydrocarbons more fluid. However, this process requires significant energy costs. The new method involves the introduction of not only steam into wells, but also catalysts that break down heavy oil components.
Russian scientists have found out that copper and nickel acetates can form catalysts right inside the deposits. These compounds interact with heavy hydrocarbons, reducing their proportion from 38% to 23.5% and reducing the boiling point of oil by 30%. This significantly reduces the viscosity of the oil and improves its recovery.
The new method promises to reduce the cost of production of heavy hydrocarbons and increase its profitability.