Kinetic modeling of aquathermolysis for upgrading of heavy oils

The growing energy demand and reduction of conventional oil reservoirs have prompted the investigation of technologies to recover unconventional heavy oils. Steam injection is the most widely used thermal method for heavy oil recovery. However, this process presents some challenges due to the high viscosity and content of heavy components such as resins and asphaltenes in this type of oil. Additionally, the mechanisms of the different chemical reactions that take place during steam injection are not fully understood. Aquathermolysis is another approach that can be used not only for heavy oil recovery but also for heavy oil upgrading. An analysis and discussion of the kinetic models focused on the aquathermolysis reaction reported up to date is performed. Different aspects of reaction mechanisms, operating conditions, reaction rate equations, kinetic parameter values, and catalytic decay terms are reviewed. It has been concluded that kinetic modeling studies for aquathermolysis are scarce in the literature and that the reported models are simple in nature, which indicates the need for more research in this area for proper evaluation of technologies for in situ upgrading of heavy oils, either catalytic or non-catalytic.