Process for in situ upgrading of a heavy hydrocarbon using asphaltene precipitant additives
US9670760B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 30, 2013 |
| Grant date | Jun 6, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 30, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B43/28
- WIPO fieldBasic materials chemistry
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A process for in-situ upgrading of a heavy hydrocarbon includes positioning a well in a reservoir containing a heavy hydrocarbon having an initial API gravity no greater than about 20, an n-heptane asphaltene content at least about 1 wt. %, and a viscosity at 35° C. greater than about 350 centistokes; injecting hydrocarbon solvent(s) and asphaltene precipitant additive(s) into the well at a ratio by volume of the solvent to the heavy hydrocarbon of about 0.1:1 to about 20:1 under reservoir conditions so as to provide an upgraded hydrocarbon in the reservoir having an improved API gravity, a reduced asphaltene content, and a lower viscosity; and producing the upgraded hydrocarbon from the well. The process of the present invention can be also carried out at higher temperatures such as by injecting steam with the one or more hydrocarbon solvents and the one or more asphaltene precipitant additives into the well.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.