Iron nanoparticles synthesized within microemulsion for rapid thermal process of bitumen upgading

Abstract

Heavy oil is one of alternative energy sources because it has enormous reserves and cheap price. However, their property is much worse than conventional oil’s. It makes difficult to transport through pipeline, and causes a lot of cost. So, purpose of this study is to make appropriate properties to transport through pipeline with partial upgrading before transportation. In this study, rapid thermal process (RTP) was used for partial upgrading of bitumen. Also, effect of iron nanoparticles were identified by applying as dispersed catalyst for RTP. Iron nanoparticles were synthesized with water-in-oil microemulsion methods. Precursor concentration and amount of reductant were variables for iron nanoparticles synthesis. 10 nm iron nanoparticles were well synthesized with 0.1 M precursor and ratio of precursor to reductant 1:3. Reaction temperature, residence time and amount of catalyst were variables for partial upgrading bitumen. Upgraded product were assessed by liquid yield and quality (API gravity, SARA, etc.) As a result, best condition was $550^\circ C$, 1 second of residence time and 0.1 wt. % catalyst. Under that condition, liquid yield was 78.8 % and quality was followed: API gravity $19.03^\circ$, asphaltene contents 0.23 %, carbon residue 2.62 %. Finally, compared with product without catalyst at $550^\circ C$ and 1 second of residence time, liquid yield decreased slightly, but API gravity increased by $1.62^\circ$ and asphaltene contents decreased by 0.96 wt. %.