Rock Mineral Components’ Effects on Heavy and Shale Oil Transformation during Aquathermolysis

Abstract

One of the main topics that generate the interest of experts nowadays involves the processes of organic matter chemical transformation during heavy and shale oil reservoirs’ development via thermally enhanced oil recovery. It is common knowledge that the host rock has a catalytic effect on the ongoing processes. In addition, oil transformation is mostly associated with destructive processes of resins and asphaltenes molecules. As a result, this would provide an increase in oil mobility as a result of kerogen destruction in shale oil. This ensures the formation of synthetic oil and an increase in the filtration characteristics of the rock. Besides, iron-containing compounds in the composition of the rock are catalytically active in the above processes. Moreover, clay minerals have high catalytic activity for many reactions of organic matter transformation. This review considers publications that study the role played by the rock and its individual components in the processes of in situ upgrading of heavy and shale oil.