Methane Assisted Catalytic Upgrading of Extra Heavy Crudes under Moderate Conditions

Vacuum residue (VR) is the heaviest part of crude oil accounting for a large proportion in modern refineries, while its utilization routes are generally of low efficiency and high energy intensity, and thus economically and environmentally unfavorable. Similarly, bitumen recovered from Steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) process experiences high viscosity and density as well as high content of impurities and thus diluent is often needed for its transportation with additional cost and environmental concerns. Both the diluent containing naphtha fraction recovered SAGD crude and VR are considered as extra heavy crude which are required to be further processed before end use. The goal of the current project is to develop a cost-effective upgrading technology to greatly enhance the quality of extra heavy crudes for the potential productions of clean light fuel and high-value added petrochemicals. This will be done using a technology based on the directly catalytic incorporation of natural gas into the heavy oil at mild temperatures and pressures, leading to enhanced productivity and reduced production cost and thus improved profitability. Furthermore, the incorporation of natural gas into the transportable oil product will minimize greenhouse gas emission from upgrading process, making it more environmentally friendly.

Faculty Supervisor:

Hua Song

Student:

Partner:

Kara Technologies Inc

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Health and Related Sciences & Technology; Manufacturing; Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

University of Calgary

Program: