Influence of metal oxides and their precursors on the composition of final products of aquathermolysis of raw ashalchin oil

Abstract

Experiments were conducted simulating hydrothermal conversion of heavy oil in the presence of carbonate, kaolin, Al2 O3, Ni2+ and Cu2+, NiO mixed with poly-α-olefins, C6 H8 O7, C2 H4 O2 at 290–375◦ C and 10–135 bar. Al2 O3, carbonate at 375◦ C and 135 bar, accelerated the resin degradation. Experiments with carbonate at 350◦ C and 10 bar showed no significant composition changes. NiSO4, CuSO4, kaolin mineral, at 350◦ C and 78 bar, accelerated decomposition of resins (from 35.6% to 32.5%). Al2 O3 and carbonate at 290◦ C and 14 bar led to the destruction of asphaltenes (from 6.5% to 4.7% by weight), which were adsorbed on the surface of carbonate. Al2 O3, NiO, poly-α-olefins at 350◦ C and 78 bar accelerated C–C bond cracking of high-boiling asphaltenes. C6 H8 O7, rock-forming carbonate, at 360◦ C and 14 bar, contributed to the polymerization and polycondensation of hydrocarbons with the formation of additional resins. C2 H4 O2 and kaolin at 360◦ C and 12 bar affected the reduction in the resin content from 35.6% to 31.9% wt. C2 H4 O2 interacted with the active metals with the formation of acetate salts exhibiting catalytic activity.