Aquathermolysis of heavy oils

The use of steam injection as a recovery method is based mainly on the physical effect of transferring the energy of the steam to enhance the flow properties of heavy oils. Other physical effects, such as emulsification, also may take place but little attention has been given to the possibility of a chemical reaction between the steam and some of the heavy oil components. This work addresses the question of such a chemical reaction to which the name, Aquathermolysis, has been given. The results of gas analyses to simulate field conditions of steam injection are presented. Two samples were used. Means to enhance the flow properties during the aquathermolysis process also were determined.