An Investigation of the possibility of extraction of metals from heavy oil

CATEGORY: HEAVY CRUDE
An Investigation of the possibility of extraction of metals from heavy oil

Type	Journal Article
Author	Tatyana Aleksandrova
Author	Alexander Aleksandrov
URL	http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/08827508.2016.1262860
Volume	0
Publication	Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy Review
Date	December 22, 2016
Abstract	Presents results of experimental and theoretical studies of physical influence on the distribution of heavy metals and viscosity of heavy. The oil of Yaregskoye (Timan-Pechora province) oil field was used as the test material. Microinclusions of metals (V, Ni, Ti, Fe, etc.) in the mineral parts were detected using scanning electron microscopy and electron microprobe analysis. In an attempt to extract these metals, effects of the extractant type, extractant concentration, and ultrasonic treatment on the extraction process were evaluated.

Low-temperature and low-pressure non-oxidative activation of methane for upgrading heavy oil

CATEGORY: HEAVY CRUDE
Low-temperature and low-pressure non-oxidative activation of methane for upgrading heavy oil

Type	Journal Article
Author	Aijun Guo
Author	Chongchong Wu
URL	http://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2016/cy/c5cy00947b
Volume	6
Issue	4
Pages	1201-1213
Date	2016/02/15
Abstract	It is necessary to upgrade viscous heavy oil, such as bitumen extracted from Canadian oil sand, to be transportable by pipeline. This is typically achieved by expensive catalytic hydrogenation under a hydrogen pressure of 15–20 MPa. Authors report that by using zinc and silver cation-modified HZSM-5 as the catalyst, methane can be activated at a low temperature of 380 °C and a pressure of 5 MPa to efficiently upgrade heavy oil, leading to the formation of partially upgraded crude oil which is more desirable for pipeline transportation and downstream refining. The study opens a door for upgrading heavy oil with natural gas under fairly mild operation conditions instead of expensive hydrogen under rather stringent ones.

Upgrading of heavy oil by dispersed biogenic magnetite catalysts

CATEGORY: HEAVY CRUDE
Upgrading of heavy oil by dispersed biogenic magnetite catalysts

Type	Journal Article
Author	Ashley R. Brown
Author	Abarasi Hart
URL	http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0016236116307529
Volume	185
Pages	442-448
Publication	Fuel
Date	December 1, 2016
Abstract	In situ catalytic upgrading of heavy oil offers significant cost savings and overcomes logistical challenges associated with the high viscosity, low API gravity and high molecular weight fractions of unconventional hydrocarbon resources. The THAI-CAPRI process, or toe-to-heel air injection – catalytic upgrading process in situ, offers one route to upgrading through the use of high surface area transition metal cracking catalysts surrounding the production well. Authors describe the catalytic upgrading of heavy oil in a stirred batch reactor by a biogenic nanoscale magnetite.