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Title: Upgrading of heavy oil from the San Joaquin Valley of California by aqueous pyrolysis

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/266764· OSTI ID:266764

Midway Sunset crude oil and well-head oil were treated at elevated temperatures in a closed system with the presence of water. Mild to moderate upgrading, as measured by increase in API gravity, was observed at 400{degrees}C or above. Reduced pressure operation exhibited upgrading activity comparable to upgrading under normal aqueous pyrolysis conditions. Reduced pressure operation was obtained by the use of specific blending methods, a surfactant, and the proper amount of water. The use of additives provided additional upgrading. The best of the minimum set tested was Co(II) 2-ethylhexanoate. Fe(III) 2-ethylhexanoate also showed some activity under certain conditions.

Research Organization:
Lawrence Livermore National Lab. (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
DOE Contract Number:
W-7405-ENG-48
OSTI ID:
266764
Report Number(s):
UCRL-ID-122472; ON: DE96013203
Resource Relation:
Other Information: PBD: 1 Oct 1995
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English