Development of a catalytic water-soluble composition for upgrading high-viscosity oil during thermal steam treatment

This study investigates the impact of a water-soluble aquathermolysis catalyst on the highly viscous oil from the Boca de Jaruco field (Republic of Cuba) and presents an analysis of laboratory findings. The most efficient water-soluble catalyst, based on nickel sulfate , was identified for enhancing the physicochemical properties of the viscous oil. The paper also provides recommendations for selecting the appropriate temperature conditions during steam-thermal treatment, along with the optimal concentration of nickel sulfate (0.4 % wt.). It was revealed that the mass concentration of asphaltenes in the oil decreased by 50 % in the presence of nickel sulfate compared to the original oil. Additionally, the saturated fraction increased by 70 % compared to the initial oil and by 30 % relative to the control experiment. Furthermore, the sulfur content in the oil was reduced from 5.9% to 5.4 % during thermal steam treatment (TST) when nickel sulfate catalyst and a hydrogen donor were used.