The Composition and Structure of Ultra-Dispersed Mixed Oxide (II, III) Particles and Their Influence on In-Situ Conversion of Heavy Oil

This paper discusses the role of magnetite in the conversion of heavy oil from the Ashal’cha reservoir. The effect of catalysts on the in-situ upgrading of heavy oil is directed on the reduction of high-molecular components of oil such as resins and asphaltenes and their molecular masses. Moreover, it is directed on the significant increase in saturates and aromatic fractions. Measuring the temperature-dependent viscosity characteristics revealed the tremendous viscosity decrease of the obtained catalytic aquathermolysis products. X-ray analysis exposed the composition of the initial catalyst that consisted of mixed iron oxides (II, III), as well as catalysts that were extracted from the treated crude oil. The particle size of the catalysts was investigated by scanning electron microscopy. According to the SEM data, aggregates of 200 nm were formed that were in the range of ultra-dispersed particles (200 to 500 nm).