Heavy oil aquathermolysis in the presence of rock-forming minerals and iron oxide (II, III) nanoparticles

Steam injection is attracting a considerable interest in terms of EOR. In this work the oil-saturated sandstones and their extracts (Ashalcha field) were subjected to hydrothermal heating in the presence of iron oxide (II, III) nanoparticles in an autoclave at a 200 °C and 250 °C for 24 hours. SARA analysis revealed that the destruction of resins and asphaltenes is observed after thermo-catalytic treatment at 250 °C; at 200 °C iron oxide is ineffective. This destruction led to increase the amount of oil saturates fraction, as GC-MS data and the formation of coke-like substances adsorbed on sandstone (TG-DSC data).