KFU team continues research of copper-based catalysts for in-situ oil upgrading

A new paper saw light in Energy & Fuels.

“We have obtained an effective catalytic composition based on a copper compound using an organic compound as a ligand. This catalyst accelerates the oxidation of heavy oil in porous media, reducing its viscosity and the content of heavy compounds in its composition,” says co-author Seyedsaeed Mehrabi-Kalajahi, Junior Research Associate of the In-Situ Combustion Lab.

Catalytic efficiency of the synthesized catalyst was examined in the liquid phase by coupling thermogravimetry and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and in porous medium using a porous medium thermo-effect cell. The catalyst effect on the oxidation reaction of heavy oil for in situ upgrading was studied using visual combustion tubes.

“The substance is ready for use in the oil industry. The obtained reagent makes it possible to initiate ignition at lower temperatures, which will facilitate the process of in-situ combustion. It should be noted that the technology of catalytic in-situ combustion may be promising for heavy oil, oil shale and conventional oil fields at the last stage of development,” comments Chair of the Department of Petroleum Engineering Mikhail Varfolomeev.

Kazanites continue working on thermal methods of enhanced oil extraction, including ways to stabilize combustion.